Iran Hails Ethiopia Peace Deal

In a statement released on Monday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani voiced support for an agreement reached during peace negotiations between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in order to end clashes in northern Ethiopia.

“We congratulate the African Union, as the main mediator, South Africa, as the host of the negotiations, and all the other participating parties for their constructive efforts over the past two years toward the realization of national conformity and lasting peace in Ethiopia,” he said.

Kanaani also voiced Iran’s readiness to offer any type of support to the Ethiopian government in order to consolidate peace and security in the country, expressing hope that the implementation of the agreement would lead to the country’s stability, development, growth, and to tranquility for its nation.

Last week, the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) agreed to a “permanent cessation of hostilities”, effectively ending ten days of negotiations – led by the African Union in South Africa – and a civil war that began in November 2020.

Both parties in the conflict which has left thousands dead and displaced millions in the northern region of Tigray, agreed to “orderly, smooth and coordinated disarmament” and “restoration of law and order”.

The landmark deal brings an end to the conflict in which “war crimes and crimes against humanity” were committed by both sides, according to a United Nations commission of human rights experts.