US secretary of state urges disputing parties in Ethiopia to take concrete steps for peace

This came on Thursday during a phone call between Blinken with his Ethiopian counterpart Demeke Mekonnen, according to a a statement of the US Department of State.

According to the statement Secretary Blinken called Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen expressing to him concern over the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia and emphasizing the urgency of taking concrete steps for peace.

“The Secretary reiterated his call for all parties to the conflict including the Ethiopian government to urgently and seriously engage in negotiations on a cessation of hostilities without preconditions. He underscored the need for immediate unhindered humanitarian access to northern Ethiopia and in support of all Ethiopian communities in need.”