 Ethiopia faces calls to free political prisoners |
After meeting Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, UK Foreign Office Minister David Triesman said Ethiopia's reputation had suffered.
His visit came as 131 detained opposition leaders, reporters and aid workers were charged with crimes ranging from treason to "genocide".
The charges relate to last month's protests over disputed May elections.
Under Ethiopian law, some of the offences carry the death penalty.
At least 46 people were killed in the violence.
There have been repeated calls from the diplomatic community for political prisoners to be freed, BBC East Africa correspondent Karen Allen says.
The government in Addis Ababa has maintained the crimes are serious and those charged must be tried.
Reconciliation call
"I told the prime minister, as I have told all parties, of the deep concern in the UK and in Europe about the unrest in June and November and its aftermath," Lord Triesman said after Saturday's talks.
"Ethiopia's international reputation has not been helped by recent events. I believe it is possible to find a way forward to redress this and give Ethiopians hope for a better future," he said.
The UK minister met opposition leaders during his visit and urged all parties to avoid violence.
"There is a need for a spirit of national reconciliation, magnanimity and political consensus in dealing with each other," he said.
Lord Triesman said the UK's aid to Ethiopia - worth £50 million ($88m) - had not been cut off as a result of the violence, but was being reviewed.
"We remain completely committed to provide aid to some of the poorest people in Ethiopia."
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