Addis Ababa, 31 August 2015 (WIC)- Eritrean refugees lauded Ethiopia for hosting and supporting them despite diplomatic disagreements between the two countries.

Eritrean refugees, while celebrating 54th year of their armed struggle here yesterday, said that they are coming to Ethiopia as a result of the maladministration and persecution they are facing back home.

One of the refugees, Dr. Bereket Woldeab, said that Ethiopian government’s hospitality in helping the Eritrean citizens by creating a conducive environment to get access to education and move freely even outside their camps is admirable.

The other refugee, Gidey Tsehay, also said that thousands of Eritrean refugees are crossing Ethiopian borders in need of a peaceful life.

Cabinet Affairs Head of Addis Ababa City Administration, Asegid Getachew, in his turn said that currently Ethiopia is hosting over 700 thousand refugees and is working to strengthen people to people relations in addition to respecting international refugee agreements.

Aseged also assured that the Ethiopian government is by their side to help them find a remedy and make the Eritrean citizens lead better life and establish democratic government.

At the occasion different music, dramas, poems and articles were presented.