Ethiopian Gov’t, UWSLF Sign Peace Deal

Addis Ababa, July 30 (CAKAARAnEWS) – The Ethiopian government on Thursday signed a peace deal with the United Western Somali Liberation Front (UWSLF).

The peace accord was signed at Ghion Hotel in the presence of representatives of the Ethiopian government, UWSLF, African Union, and the United Nations, among others.

According to the peace deal, the government of Ethiopia agreed to grant amnesty to all leaders and prisoners of UWSLF. The Ethiopian government also agreed to rehabilitate and integrate Front’s soldiers in to the community.

The UWSLF on its part agreed to stop its state of insurgency and make a definitive shift from its former position and abide by the constitution.

Federal Affairs Minister Dr. Shiferaw Teklemariam, on the occasion said the peace agreement signed now by the government of Ethiopia and UWSLF is a reaffirmation of the peace terms agreed at first meeting held in Djibouti and subsequent successful negations and meetings that were held since the declaration of ceasefire in March, 2010.

He said the peace deal gives substantial guarantees to nations, nationalities and people of Ethiopia including full rights of self determination up to secession.

He further said the agreement will help to bring an accelerated development for the country in general and to the people of Somali state in particular.

UWSLF Leader Sheik Ibrahim Hussein said he will work for the peace and security of the regions along with the government of Ethiopia.

He said, “We have opted peace in order to ensure human rights and participate in the ongoing development efforts, instead of insurgency activities which hinder development and violate human right of children, women and elderly”.

“We from now onwards will participate to contribute our own part to accelerate the on going development activities and respect human rights guaranteed by the constitution of Ethiopia”, he added.

National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister with the rank of Minister, Abay Tsehaye, said the government of Ethiopia is ready to work closely and reach agreement with all parties willing to operate peacefully and abide by the constitution.

He finally called on other anti-peace elements to follow the United Western Somali Liberation Front’s footsteps.

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