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Sherman Holds Discussion on Ethiopia with National Security Advisor Sullivan

November 14, 2022

Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) released the following statement after his discussion with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan regarding the situation in Ethiopia.

"Last Thursday, I had an extensive discussion on Tigray and Ethiopia with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who clearly has an extensive knowledge of this tragic conflict.

I urged that we continue to suspend AGOA and oppose international lending institution loans to Ethiopia until:

(1) commitments are kept to allow unrestricted food and medicine (and the fuel necessary to transport them) into Tigray

(2) there is a full and lasting end to fighting

(3) international human rights monitors and journalists are on the ground within Tigray and at all sites across Ethiopia where Tigrayan civilians have been detained en masse and

(4) the Internet is restored so that the world can hear from the people of Tigray.

For a lasting peace in Ethiopia, Eritrea's troops must permanently withdraw. I urged additional measures if Eritrea fails to withdraw, including sanctioning President Afwerki, introducing UN Security Council resolutions condemning Eritrea, investigating Eritrean 'diaspora tax' collection in the U.S. and if necessary a 'counter shipping campaign' on luxury goods."

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