Mekelle: 1st March 2024 (Tigray Herald)
Critical Components of the Pretoria Agreement Including Territory Restoration Overlooked says Tigray IRA Vice President
Tadesse Werede (Gen.), Vice President of the Tigray IRA, asserts that critical components of the Pretoria agreement, such as territory restoration, IDP return, DDR, and political discussions between signatory parties, have been overlooked.
In a media briefing earlier today, the Vice President referenced an article in the Pretoria peace agreement calling for the concurrent withdrawal of non-ENDF forces and the disarmament of Tigrayan forces.
Vice President Tadesse stated that the federal government’s proposal to resolve the situation through a referendum exceeds both its and the Interim Administration’s mandate. “The Interim Administration lacks the mandate to conduct a referendum,” he emphasized, adding that a referendum can only occur after an elected state council is established.
Regarding the federal government’s calls for IDPs to return, Tadesse Werede (Gen.) emphasized the importance of ensuring security in the areas before forcing IDPs to return to their homes. “We cannot compel IDPs to return while the forces responsible for their displacement remain,” he asserted.
Speaking of DDR, Tadesse (Gen.) highlighted the need to prioritize both demobilization and reintegration processes alongside disarmament.
While acknowledging some progress in the implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement through bilateral talks between Tigray and the federal government, the Vice President emphasized unresolved critical issues, underscoring the necessity of AU involvement in future discussions.
Vice President Tadesse Werede (Gen.) concluded his message by urging the people of Tigray to uphold the peace that has at least silenced the guns.
Source፡Tigrai Television.
