Competing Political Parties Urge to Taper Off Differences

Addis Ababa August 17/2018t Tapering the differences among political parties through constructive dialogues and peaceful engagement in the country would pave the way national consensus, members of the competing political parties said.  Political parties that have been operating within and outside the country held a conference on national consensus and reconciliation on Thursday in Addis Ababa. Some 50 representatives and higher officials of the political parties including political parties that were in exile that have returned home recently participated on the meeting, it was indicated. The representatives of the political parties said political parties cannot create nationwide consensus on peace and reconciliation unless they resolve to cooperate on issues of national significance. Blue Party Public Relations Head, Abebe Akelu said: "with 70 and 80 political parties operating separately, we cannot create national consensus among ourselves and contribute to public reconciliation." Competing political parties are blaming each other, he said and adding that "We have to apologize to the people for our shortfalls." Tigistu Awelu President of Unity for Democracy and Justice said "We need reconciliation within ourselves, without concerted agreement among ourselves, we cannot create national consensus." "Let us stop getting into loggerheads with each another" said president of the Coalition for Unity and Democrac, Ayele Chamesso. He said first we have to create the consensus and reconciliation among ourselves and set an example for the public. Gebru Berhe, the Deputy Chairman of the Ethiopian Democratic Union on his part said political parties should prioritize resolving the sporadic conflicts that are taking tolls resulting in loss of lives, public and private properties. To fulfill this national mandate, “all political parties and politicians need to tolerate each other we have to do this," he added. Dr. Yacob Hailemariam, the moderator of the discussion, noted that political parties should work in areas where there is a visible tampering with the rule of law, displacement of citizens and loss of lives. He stressed that to dot this political parties need to interact with each other and work closely with elders and religious leaders. Lencho Leta, Chairperson  of the Oromo Democratic Front (ODF)  on his part  said if political parties begin confer together, work and debate on the national issues they can resolve many national problems. He assured that this will create a great opportunity for transforming the change brought to a higher level and resolve the problems the country is facing. Member of the committee, which organized the event Dr. Chane Kebede said based on the ideas raised from participants a forum that focuses on national consensus and peace reconciliation will be held soon. Furthermore, he added that we will work to implement the ideas raised by political parties on sustainable peace and stability in the country. In order to implement these agenda, committees which will facilitate implementation of these agenda will be established, he said.