https://m.dw.com/en/un-says-ethiopia-ha ... a-59381083UN says Ethiopia has no legal right to expel staff
1h ago
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has told Ethiopia's prime minister that the international organization does not accept the country's decision to expel seven UN officials, amid a war and looming famine in Tigray.
The United Nations warned Ethiopia on Friday that it has no legal right to expel seven UN officials it accused of "meddling'' in the country's affairs, as famine looms in the conflict-mired region of Tigray.
UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said a diplomatic note sent to Ethiopia's UN Mission and conveyed to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday stated that a country's ability to declare someone persona non grata, or unwelcome, does not apply to UN personnel.
"The application of this doctrine to United Nations officials is contrary to obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and the privileges and immunities to be afforded to the United Nations and its officials,'' he said.
The doctrine of declaring someone persona non grata applies between states, the spokesman said, and "we are not a state."
Ethiopia accuses UN of interference
Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry on Thursday said that it had "declared a 'persona non grata' for seven individuals who are working for various international NGOs in Ethiopia for meddling in the internal affairs of the country."
The ministry said the officials must leave Ethiopia within 72 hours. They include the UN deputy humanitarian coordinator in the country, Grant Leaity, and UNICEF representative Adele Khodr.
In the diplomatic note, seen by Reuters, the UN Office of Legal Affairs said it had not received information to support Ethiopia's accusation that the officials were meddling in internal affairs.
Haq didn't answer directly when asked whether the UN staff members would remain in Ethiopia, and not leave within 72 hours.
When issues are raised regarding UN staff, the spokesman said, "the requirement is that such concerns are appropriately conveyed to the organization.''
"It's then for the secretary-general to make the necessary determinations and take the necessary steps to address the matter,'' he added.
(Reuters, AP, AFP)
UN says Ethiopia has no legal right to expel staff
Re: UN says Ethiopia has no legal right to expel staff
Ethiopia has been cleansing itself from the darkness put upon itself by the tplfists for the last three decades. Bravo Ethiopia. Keep marching heads up. Humiliation is declared over!!
Ethiopia should stay the icon of freedom to the Black World.
AbaQ
Abiye’s government is growing huge steel balls and confidence. The nationalist government reacted and served the nation with dignity when 94% of the citizens extended unwavering support.
Gone are those days of serving master and slave relationships type of government in east Africa. The game is truly over to the slave tplfists and their masters. Get used to it
Ethiopia should stay the icon of freedom to the Black World.
AbaQ
Abiye’s government is growing huge steel balls and confidence. The nationalist government reacted and served the nation with dignity when 94% of the citizens extended unwavering support.
Gone are those days of serving master and slave relationships type of government in east Africa. The game is truly over to the slave tplfists and their masters. Get used to it