The Ethiopian government says it has set up 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 countrys deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Demeke Mekonen. Ethiopias Justice Minister Gediwon Timothios - 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 criticised the AUs efforts and have said they want President Uhuru Kenyatta to mediate.
