U.S. urges immediate talks over Ethiopia conflict as reported abuse grows

FILE PHOTO: Troops in Eritrean uniforms are seen on top of a truck near the town of Adigrat, Ethiopia, March 14, 2021.2021.REUTERS/Baz Ratner/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is gravely concerned about fighting in parts of Ethiopia, the U.S. State Department said on Friday, urging the Ethiopian government and rebellious forces from the Tigray region to start immediate negotiations to address the conflict.

"We urge the Ethiopian government and TPLF to enter at once into negotiations without preconditions toward a sustainable ceasefire," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement, using an acronym for the Tigray People's Liberation Front.