Statement of the Ambassadors’ Donors Group
24 April 2006, Addis Ababa

As partners engaged in helping Ethiopia’s long term development, we continue to support the peaceful democratic process for the country, and the strengthening of the pluralistic multiparty system. We welcome the steps taken so far towards opening political space and encourage further efforts.

We urge reconciliation and dialogue among all those engaged in the democratic process. Tolerance of dissenting views is a hallmark of democracy. We deplore threats against those who are seeking to advance Ethiopian democracy.

We welcome and support the evolution of democratic institutions, including a wide range of registered political parties to allow greater opposition participation in formal parliamentary work and the city of Addis Ababa to be run by those whom its citizens have elected.

We continue to advocate for the release of imprisoned CUD leaders and representatives of the media and civil society. All elected leaders should be given a chance to take part in the political reconciliation process. For those not released, we call for a speedy, fair, and transparent trial.

We encourage Ethiopians resident in the country and those abroad to fully support participation in democratic institutions, trusting in those who have been elected to further the process of democratic reform.

    For the ADG

    Stéphane Gompertz
    French Ambassador
    Chairman

The ADG includes:

Austria                 Germany              Switzerland
Canada                Ireland                 UK
Czech Republic      Israel                   Spain
Denmark               Netherlands          Turkey
EU                       Japan                  Sweden
Finland                 Norway                USA
France                 World Bank           UNDP
The Africa Development Bank