Embassy services were interrupted recently as a result of violent protests by a small group who harassed both Embassy staff and customers who had arrived to apply for visas and other services. One of our staff was injured and received hospital treatment.

State Minister Redwan Hussein met and held discussions with the British Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Alex Cameron, and registered the complaint and disappointment of the Government of Ethiopia over the recent developments surrounding the safety and security of the Ethiopian Embassy in London.

The host country has an obligation to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of the mission against any intrusion or damage and to ensure the safety, security, and inviolability of the diplomatic staff in London, as well as to prevent any disturbances of the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity, as per the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The UK government has now assured the Ethiopian government that measures have been taken to guarantee the safety and security of the Embassy under the UK’s obligations as per the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Contrary to an August 26 BBC Live website report from its Horn of Africa correspondent, the protests did not lead to the closing of the Embassy. In fact, ever since the protest began on Thursday, August 20, the embassy continued to carry out its duties with a skeletal staff.

As of August 26, the Embassy resumed regular services and all staff are working as it is now safe to do so.

Customers should rest assured that visas and other services are available and our staff are ready to assist.

—ENDS—

For further information contact the press office at press@ethioembassy.org.uk or on 0207 838 3883