June 29, 2005

Ambassadors’ Donor Group Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson Statement

The Ambassadors’ Donor Group has met with the Prime Minister and with the leaders of the opposition in an effort to promote a peaceful, democratic political solution to Ethiopia’s election dispute.  As Ethiopia’s partners in development, we staunchly support the Joint Declaration signed by the parties on June 10 and reaffirmed on June 13.  For these agreements to succeed, all sides must maintain a commitment to non-violence and full participation in the investigation process, and without prejudice to recourse to the courts, acceptance of election results thereafter.  We welcome the start of the National Electoral Board (NEB) complaints hearing process and are providing international observers to participate in NEB – led investigations.

We call on the security forces to respect due process for all detainees and call on the government to adhere to international principles on human rights.  All detainees should be charged or released as required by the Constitution.  The Prime Minister has promised an investigation into the events of June 8, and we look forward to the results of that investigation.  The Government has the primary responsibility for ensuring that the rule of law is upheld in Ethiopia and that such a tragic loss of life is not repeated.

A process exists for resolving elections disputes and promoting a peaceful and democratic future for all Ethiopians.  International election observers and representatives of political parties will play an important role in making this process transparent and credible.  All parties have agreed to abide by this process and to respect the outcome.  It is the responsibility of political leaders of all parties to ensure that this process produces a peaceful and successful outcome acceptable to all Ethiopians.  The process provides the necessary mechanisms agreed by all parties to address disputes, as well as recourse to the courts.

We expect all sides to live up to their commitment to support the Complaints Investigation Panels so as to allow them to complete their work.  There is no place for retaliation or threats in this process.  We abhor ethnic race – baiting and call on all leaders to prevent such activities and call on all Ethiopians to reject such politics of hate.  All sides need to put the interests of Ethiopia first or the democratic progress this country has made in recent years could be lost.  Whatever the outcome of the current electoral process, we trust Ethiopians will adapt to the reality of a multi-party state and embrace new habits for overcoming political differences.

Signed by:

United States Ambassador Aurelia E. Brazeal, Chairperson

French Ambassador  Stéphane Gompertz, Deputy Chairperson