Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomes release of Ethiopian opposition leader

 “I am very pleased that the Ethiopian opposition leader Birtukan Mideksa has now been released from prison,” said Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre.

“Norway has raised the issue of Birtukan Mideksa’s imprisonment with the Ethiopian authorities on several occasions. Her release is an important step forward in the efforts to further develop democracy in Ethiopia. I hope that Ms Birtukan will be able to play an important role in promoting a democratic, multi-party culture in the country,” said Mr Støre.

Birtukan Mideksa is the leader of one of the opposition parties in Ethiopia. She was arrested in connection with unrest in the country following the election in 2005, but was later pardoned and released, only to be arrested again in December 2008.