LOC20:10
17:10 GMT
BRUSSELS, Aug 2 (KUNA) - The European Union and the US have encouraged the launch of talks between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) under the African Union's auspices.
This was announced following the first joint visit of EU and US Special Envoys for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber and Mike Hammer, to Mekelle, Tigray, on Tuesday.
A statement released by the EU External Action Service said political dialogue is necessary to resolve the conflict in northern Ethiopia and achieve a durable peace.
The Envoys welcomed the public commitment by both parties to engage in talks and expressed their readiness to support African-led mediation.
The EU and US are committed to providing assistance to all communities in need in Ethiopia, including those affected by drought and food insecurity.
The two Envoys furthermore appealed to all sides of the conflict to refrain from hate speech and provocative rhetoric. (end)
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