Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern will meet government and opposition leaders in Ethiopia today to discuss the political crisis in the country.
Mr Ahern is leading an Irish delegation in a visit to Ethiopia and Sudan this week.
Last night, he held what his Department described as "detailed discussions" with the main Ethiopian opposition leadership in Kaliti prison. He held further talks with opposition representatives this morning.
Following elections in May, leaders of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, the main opposition party, were imprisoned and now face trial for alleged treason and attempted genocide.
"The stand-off between government and opposition must be settled peacefully and through dialogue. Ireland will do all in its power to facilitate that dialogue," Mr Ahern said.
The Minister said Ethiopia is also facing "considerable and ongoing difficulties in its relations with Eritrea". An agreed and lasting peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea is crucial for the entire region, he said.
This afternoon, Mr Ahern will meet the Ethiopian prime minister, Meles Zenawi, for two hours of talks. He will also meet his counterpart, Ethiopian foreign minister, Seyoum Mesfin.
"There is considerable interest in the Irish peace process here, on all sides. In that context I have undertaken to brief the prime minister and foreign minister on the process of conflict resolution in Ireland and to outline possible parallels between our countries."