Antony Blinken discusses Tigray with Ethiopian PM

Antony Blinken, the American Secretary of State has expressed concern over the situation in Tigray region during talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Mr Blinken urged Mr Abiy Ahmed to allow humanitarian access to the region to prevent further loss of life.

He also pledged the US support for Ethiopia’s reforms and elections.

I spoke with Ethiopian Prime Minister @AbiyAhmedAli to express concern about the crisis in Tigray and urge safe and unhindered humanitarian access to prevent further loss of life. Despite current challenges, the U.S. stands ready to support reforms and peaceful elections.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 4, 2021

Mr Abiy has thanked the US State Secretary for his “commitment to support Ethiopia’s deep reforms that we will pursue undeterred”.

“Our aspirations to democratise and build a multidimensional, prosperous and peaceful country for all will be enhanced through strengthened Ethiopia-US relations,” Mr Abiy tweeted

The Tigray regional troops clashed with the federal forces in November.

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Thousands of residents fled the region and humanitarian organisations have been unable to access the region.