22/08/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 8 August, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service hailed the lifting of the state of emergency in Ethiopia, which was established by the Ethiopian parliament ten months earlier following violent protests throughout the country. In a press release the spokesperson said this lifting was "a step in the right direction, particularly in the run-up to the 2018 local elections". "Continued efforts on all sides are still required to address the grievances that led to the protests", the spokesperson said, adding that "sustainable solutions require inclusive, constructive dialogue and political reform", as well as "a peaceful and democratic environment in which criticism and shortcomings can be constructively addressed in Ethiopia". "Further violence would only hamper this process", the spokesperson stated. (CG)