Thread by @althecat

The @UN_Spokesperson's insubstantive remarks on Ethiopia at today's media briefing was likely indeference UNSG @antonioguterres, who has chosen to make it the focus of the UNSC centerpiece of the day, the consultation on "Peace and Security in Africa".

2pm US/9pm EU/10pm ETH

https://twitter.com/althecat/status/1445701887215480832

Estonia followed Ireland, so far the statements have been very predictable. Reiterating and reinforcing existing flawed understanding of what has been, and is happening in Ethiopia.

France speaking now, says Obasanjo is in Paris tomorrow to talk to the French. A short formulaic statement also.

Norway is saying the same things also. The absence of any willingness to acknowledge or to even consider the Ethiopian position is clear.

The UK is also "deeply disappointed" about the expulsions. Perhaps the UN should have a procedure for dealing with complaints and grievances by aid receiving nations.

UK: The TPLF should withdraw their forces and "act in the interests of ordinary people in Tigray". They should. But they have not. But to at least mention TPLF crimes is progress.

The Permanent Representatives appear to have not read this statement.

https://twitter.com/mfaethiopia/status/1443978921872171026?s=20

Now @USAmbUN, more of the same."If these calls for humanitarian aid go unanswered the UNSC must act." And now she is talking of "rape" and "hunger" being used as a weapon of war. Conflict is "spilling over" into Amhara.

"This is a path that the Government of Ethiopia is choosing." - @LindaT_G

So far these statements lack any nuance. "Make no mistake the UNSC's credibility is at stake today," she says. Which is true.

But not for the reasons she provides.

Tunisia speaking on behalf of the A3+1 (African UNSC members and St Vincent and the Grenadines).

"Even within their sovereign rights nation states should observe their obligations."

A frank and genuine discussion with the UN is needed. A public discussion will not be effective. A constructive dialogue is needed.

We welcome the renewed commitments to delver humanitarian aid on both sides. The need is for an immediate ceasefire. We recognise the Govt's significant efforts to deliver aid and enhance humanitarian access.

We call on all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. At the same time we underline the obligations of aid workers to observe non-interference.

We strongly call for withdrawal of foreign forces and the standing down of forces from neighbouring federal states. We welcome the engagement of President Obasanjo.

We reaffirm our support and commitment to the territorial integrity of Ethiopia. We stand with our sister nation in its desire for peace.

China: The UN and international agencies should follow humanitarian principles and prevent the deterioration of the situation. The armed conflict poses enormous challenges to aid delivery. We see that the Govt. has made tremendous efforts. We see Govt. has reduced restrictions.

China notes with concern the expulsions. We support quiet diplomacy. The two sides should work together. The IC should create a favourable environment for a settlement through dialogue.

A new govt. has been inaugurated in Ethiopia.

The IC should support Ethiopia. The unilateral sanctions imposed on Ethiopia and Eritrea are illegal at international law, are not helpful and should be removed.

INDIA: The conflict has spread. In this difficult situation the UN has provided relief to the population. We appreciate the humanitarian work.

The unfortunate expulsion has a possibility to worsen the situation. There should be engagement and dialogue.

Humanitarian workers should be sensitive to the situation faced by the Govt. We hope the Govt. will respond favourably to dialogue. We welcome the formation of a new Govt and his announcement of an inclusive national dialogue.

We reiterate our call for a amicable solution to be reached to the conflict. This is important to the entire African Conflict. The AU should support this. We reiterate our commitment to teritorial integrity of Ethiopia.

VIETNAM: We regret the recent decision to expel humanitarian workers. We call for dialogue and trust building to overcome these difficulties.

We understand that the distribution of assistance remains far from being sufficient. 5.2 million people are in danger of famine. We share concern of the international community about alarming levels of violence and killing of civilians and destruction of infrastructures.

We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The conflict stems from complex reasons. We support dialogue. It is high time for a compromise to be made for a comprehensive solution.

MEXICO: We noted with concern the assertions made by the Ethiopian Govt which led to the expulsion of the individuals. We must first point out that the decision has an impact on humanitarian work on the ground.

In a month it will be a year since this conflict began. We are concerned about the impact of the UNHCHR expulsion may have an impact on the outcomes of the joint HR report with @EthioHRC.

Whenever a nation agrees to aid this cannot be subject to [unreasonable restrictions]. Cites an ICJ decision and a convention. Says that there needs to be due process and a presumption of innocence in relation to the expelled workers.

It is time for us to put a stop to the suffering of millions of people.

We would welcome any progress by anyone with efforts to achieve peace.

RUSSIA: We would like to congratulate Ethiopia on the formation of their govt. The Govt is now ready for dialogue to promote peace and well being. We continue to support territorial integrity. We consider the internal dossier is an internal matter for Ethiopia.

We believe Ethiopia can find a solution to this. We also believe that deliberately spiralling up rhetoric is not helpful. We think a toxic media atmosphere and illegal international sanctions is unhelpful.

The ongoing violence is significantly compounding the situation.

Specific Problems:
- Trucks - it is unacceptable for them to be used for other issues.
- We cannot minimise the suffering of the people in Amhara and Afar.

We appreciate humanitarian workers.

We intend to continue our assistance to the humanitarian wing of the UN. We regret the decision to expel. But we think this should not be over dramatized. We think the issues can be amicably resolved through dialogue.

We should learn from mistakes that have been made in this situation so those mistakes are not made again in the future. There is a vital need for dialogue and close cooperation with the Gov of Ethiopia who continue to provide the Lion's share of humanitarian assistance in Tigray.

ETHIOPIA RESPONSE: We find it incomprehensible that this meeting is being held. There are numerous similar incidents. We do not see why this is being discussed by the UNSC. And do not see any precedent.

This could have been dealt with via a discussion with the UN directly. We did not have any obligation to give reasons.

The rules that apply to humanitarian workers are clear. Reads out the rules. UN staff need to remain neutral - and need to obey the rules.

The staff who were expelled were expelled for reasons.

The misconduct of a few individuals does not speak to all humanitarian workers.

By their own words they (the ones expelled) were "looking to create a Darfur like situation". The assisted to the creation of false allegations made to UN.

They made up data and misinformed this body.

They employed UN agencies to conduct investigations outside their mandate.

They invited TPLF armed men and militia to safe houses to intimidate victims of sexual violence in a city which had 1000s of released criminals roaming.

They assisted siphoning of food and other aid supplies to support war efforts. At the time they were expelled they were participating in an effort to relocate people to be trained to fight.

Ethiopia warned them and wrote to the UN. We beleive the UN's efforts were undermined by these staff. We will welcome replacements.

The overwhelming majority of UN staff are fine.

We also insist that information provided by these agencies during this period must be verified.

I would like to reassure this body that the new Govt. of Ethiopia stands ready to work with the IC to achieve peace and prosperity. No one should doubt the Ethiopian tradition of hospitality. We will always respond positively when we are treated with dignity.

UNSG: I have been accused of bias in favour of Ethiopia. If there are written documents about any of the eight that have been expelled - I would like to receive those documents.

I have asked the PM to send my documents. I have not yet received any documents.

We are willing to cooperate with the govt of Ethiopia. We have only one interest in Ethiopia to help the people of Ethiopia.

ETHIOPIA RESPONSE: Thanks the UNSG and says Ethiopia will comply with the request he made.

So I guess we are now on a path to resolution then.

ENDS

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