Turkey concerned by escalation of clashes in Ethiopia

ISTANBUL

Turkey on Friday expressed concern over the developments in Ethiopia.

"We follow with concern the escalation of the clashes in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Ankara urges "an immediate ceasefire for the urgent cessation of the violence," calls for "the establishment of peace and stability," and invites the parties to dialogue, the statement added.

"We reiterate our readiness to provide all kinds of support to this end.

"Turkey, as a country enjoying friendly relations based on historical and cultures bonds with all ethnic groups in Ethiopia, will continue its humanitarian aid that was already extended from the beginning of clashes, to Ethiopia including Tigray," it noted.

"Turkey will continue to support efforts towards preserving peace, serenity and stability in Ethiopia," it also said.

Ethiopia declared a state of emergency on Monday, as the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) made military gains in the Amhara region, adjacent to Tigray region.

Last week, the TPLF said it has controlled the strategic cities of Disi and Kombolcha in the northern state of Amhara.

Millions have been internally displaced due to the Tigray conflict according to the UN, which has warned of a humanitarian catastrophe.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops into Tigray in November 2020 in response to attacks on army camps by the TPLF.