The Federal Government welcomes the willingness expressed yesterday by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to cease all hostilities and to commence negotiations with the Ethiopian Government, without preconditions and under the auspices of the African Union, on a ceasefire and a common future for the country. This is good news in time for the Ethiopian New Year, which is grounds for hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

We strongly encourage the Ethiopian Government to make good on its commitment to now engage in ceasefire talks “anytime, anywhere” and without preconditions. All parties to the conflict have a duty not to pass up this opportunity for a peaceful settlement to the conflict.

The Federal Government continues to stand ready to assist these negotiations under the auspices of the African Union. The United Nations, the United States of America and the European Union are also prepared to lend their active support to the African Union.