U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Wednesday spoke with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, and expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia and emphasized 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,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. Blinken also underscored the need for immediate unhindered humanitarian access to northern Ethiopia and in support of all Ethiopian communities in need.”

Source: The North Africa Journal November 12, 2021 12:18 UTC