S210/05
Brussels, 8 June 2005 - Javier Solana, European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), spoke with the Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in order to convey a message of restraint to the government of Ethiopia on the use of force following recent unrest over last month's disputed elections.
The High Representative expressed his deep concern about the situation in Ethiopia.
Javier Solana underlined the importance of finding a negotiated and peaceful solution to the crisis and appealed to both the government of Ethiopia and the opposition to continue discussions with a view of finding a compromise on the complaints procedure.
He further appealed to all parties to avoid any incendiary language or action that could lead to further violence.
The High Representative and Commissioner Louis Michel met with Prime Minister Meles and opposition leaders on May 26 in Addis Ababa, where they discussed the post-election situation, EUEthiopia relations and encouraged a negotiated solution.