Summary: 20 July 2007, Brussels - The European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, welcomed today the decision by the Ethiopian authorities and the announcement by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Meles Zenawi to grant pardon and release the leaders of the CUD opposition party and the other political detainees recently condemned to life imprisonment.
Commissioner Michel praised this decision as "a major political act of reconciliation" after the tragic events of 2005 that stalled the democratisation process in Ethiopia. "This outcome would not have been possible without the relentless efforts of the Group of Elders who served as mediators and the will and courage of both sides to overcome their differences for the good of the country. I have always passed the message to both parties that a solution could be found through dialogue. Today
has seen a big leap for democracy in Ethiopia. I am confident there will be others to come and that both sides are aware of their responsibilities in furthering political dialogue and democracy through peaceful and lawful means", he said.
Mr Michel reiterated the unwavering commitment of the European Commission to assist and support the strengthening of governance and the development of Ethiopia.
In February 2006, Commissioner Michel met several representatives of the opposition and journalists imprisoned at the Kalite detention centre, during a two day visit to Addis Ababa. He also held talks with Ethiopian officials, including Prime Minister Meles, as well as with the Parliament, representatives of civil society, and members of the opposition. During these meetings in prison, the opposition leaders reiterated that they respected the Constitution and would not support any attempt to
overthrow the regime. In response to a question by Commissioner Michel, Prime Minister Meles confirmed then that international legal observers would be welcome at the trial against leaders of the opposition and members of the civil society and journalists, and ensured that those detainees in need would get access to appropriate medical treatment.
"All the people I met at that time realised that there was no alternative to a sincere political dialogue", the Commissioner said. In parallel to the dialogue, the Commissioner underlined "the need for other confidence building measures, quick and concrete".
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