Ethiopia rebels down arms - govt
2010-06-24 20:11
Addis Ababa - A faction belonging to one of Ethiopia's most active rebel groups seeking a separate state in the west of the country has agreed to lay down its arms, a government minister said on Thursday.
The faction of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), which is seeking independence for the Ogaden territory, reached the deal in talks in Germany, officials said.
"A significantly large faction of the ONLF has decided to work within the constitution of Ethiopia and to abandon the armed struggle", Communications Minister Bereket Simon told AFP.
"The faction discussed with members of the government possible ways of acting within the constitutional framework. From now it will function as a political party."
Members of the group will benefit from immunity, he said, adding that "no legal action would be taken, whatever their past actions".
The ONLF has yet to respond to the statement from Bereket.
The group has said in the past that it was ready to talk with the government through the mediation of a third country, a request so far rejected by Addis Ababa.
Last month Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said talks were under way with the rebels, without giving details.
The ONLF denied it was in talks with the government.