EU and US statement
From the press conference, indicating the nature of events so far (from the US Embassy website in Ethiopia):We express serious concern that CUD/P party leaders and some members of civil society have been arrested. [Note by MMK: Apparently, the prisons are so full they have resorted to keeping people penned in the Amphitheatre in the Piazza, in central Addis.]
Unrest has spiraled out of control with tragic results. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the dead and injured and condemn all violence, whether by security forces or demonstrators. All sides should ensure that children are not involved in violence and their rights are respected.
These distressing events have further deepened mistrust as well as political and social divisions. We strongly believe the Ethiopian people need reassurance that there is a peaceful and just way forward. To this end we encourage the Government to restore peace and confidence in the democracy building process by ensuring due process of law and respect for human rights in accordance with international practice and its own commitments.
Therefore we urge the government and, where relevant, the Opposition, to carry out the following measures:
Immediate end to the use of lethal force, random searches and indiscriminate beatings and massive arrests;
All political detainees should be released;
Speedy review and – where appropriate – release of individuals detained in the recent demonstrations;
Immediate lifting of any restrictions currently imposed on those CUD/P leaders and members not detained;
Immediate access by families, legal counsel and the International Red Cross and/or other appropriate representative of the international community, to jailed CUD/P, civil society and media leaders, as well as provision of medicines, food and other humanitarian needs;
Notification to families of names and whereabouts of detainees together with appropriate access and provision of humanitarian needs;
An independent investigation of the deaths and injuries arising from recent events and the events in June;
Review and revision of Parliamentary rules and practices to ensure that all parties represented in Parliament can participate on a fair and representative basis;
Re-opening of the private media and promotion of a code of conduct for the media to ensure a balanced and responsible flow of information to the public;
Appointment of a National Election Board in consultation with the Parliamentary Opposition.
posted by Margot @ 1:50 AM
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