The Ethiopian government says it has created a seven-member committee to hold peace talks with Tigrayan forces in a bid to end the 19-month civil war.
It is to be chaired by the country’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Demeke Mekonen.
Ethiopia’s Justice Minister Gediwon Timotheos – who is also a member of the committee – said the governing party would only agree to the African Union leading the peace process.
Correspondents say this is a potential stumbling block for negotiations as Tigrayan forces have criticized the AU’s efforts and have said they want the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to mediate.
