The Ethiopian government is seeking a peace settlement with the opposition forces. President Mengistu is maneuvering to stave off his government’s collapse. His newly appointed prime minister is forming a cabinet with new faces, possibly including the leaders of the opposition forces, if a peace settlement is achieved.

In London the talk is continuing between the government and the opposition forces sponsored by Britain and the U.S. To handle the negotiation a reconciliation commission is formed. By getting rid of the hardliners in his government like Fesseha Desta and Legesse Asfaw, he has already given hope to some that he meant serious change. But as long as his secret police led by Col. Tesfaye Woldeselassie keep harassing Ethiopians, the anger at Mengistu doesn’t seem to ease.