Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL10845):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that (1) South Sudan diplomats have been expelled from Addis Ababa, and (2) Ethiopian diplomats have been expelled from Juba; what assessment they have made of how those expulsions relate to military action in Tigray; and what discussions they have had with the government (a) of South Sudan, and (b) of Ethiopia, following those expulsions. (HL10845)
Tabled on: 30 November 2020
Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:
Reports of diplomatic expulsions by Ethiopia and South Sudan have been categorically denied by both governments. We are not aware of any such actions being taken by either country.
We are in touch with a range of partners to encourage Ethiopia to de-escalate and engage in a political process. We will continue to do so alongside South Sudan who have a shared interest in stability in Ethiopia.
Date and time of answer: 08 Dec 2020 at 12:09.
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Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL10689):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Baroness Sugg on 24 November (HC Deb, cols 134–9), why the UN Security Council meeting to consider the conflict in Tigray due to occur on 24 November was cancelled and rescheduled for later that day; what was the outcome of that meeting; and what assessment they have made of reports that people were killed and injured as a result of an attack on the camp for Eritrean refugees in Adi Harush. (HL10689)
Tabled on: 25 November 2020
Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:
On 24 November, the UN Security Council discussed the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region in closed consultations. The UK continues to support mediation efforts, and call for de-escalation of the conflict and a political solution. We are concerned by many reports, including those in Adi Harush, that civilians have been impacted by this conflict. We have been consistent in our message that civilians must be protected and humanitarian access to be granted. On 25 November, the Foreign Secretary expressed this to Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister in person.
Date and time of answer: 08 Dec 2020 at 12:10.
