Ethiopian president reiterates support to freedom and independence of Saharawi people

Addis Ababa, April 4, 2013 (SPS) - President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Mr. Girma Wolde-Giorgis reiterated Wednesday his country’s position of support to the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination and independence, when Mr. Laman Baali presented his credentials to Ethiopian President as an extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Saharawi Republic in Ethiopia.

President of Ethiopia praised the level of relations already existing between the two countries, stressing the Ethiopian government’s desire to strengthen and consolidate the diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Ethiopian and SADR as to raise the level of cooperation and joint action in a way that serves the interests of the two countries and peoples and the peoples of Africa in general.

From his part, Saharawi Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the role played by Ethiopia in supporting the right of the Saharawi people to freedom and independence, and its constant defense of the decolonization in Western Sahara.

Mr. Baali informed his interlocutor about the latest developments in Western Sahara, including the visit of UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy Christopher Ross and Moroccan gross violations of human rights in occupied Western Sahara.

He therefore reiterated readiness of the Saharawi mission in Ethiopia to deepen relations, promote cooperation between the two countries and deepen solidarity between the two peoples.

The event, which took place at the presidency of Ethiopia, was attended by some officials in the Ethiopian presidency and foreign ministry, along with the Saharawi diplomatic mission to Ethiopia and the African Union. (SPS)

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