BRUSSELS, Nov 2 (KUNA) -- The European Union Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan forces to end the two-year old conflict.
President of the European Council, Charles Michel welcomed the agreement in Ethiopia and thanked the African Union for its mediation to achieve the ceasefire.
"Important to consolidate first step into lasting peace and reconciliation," he said on his twitter message tonight.
He stressed that it is a priority to ensure humanitarian assistance and restore basic services.
"EU ready to support next steps," added Michel.
Meanwhile, EU High Representative Josep Borrell in a separate statement said "the EU commends the African Union mediation and its observers, as well as the South Africa host and reaffirms its readiness to support peace efforts moving forward in a process owned and led by Ethiopians." A swift implementation on the ground of the agreement reached today is needed. Priority is to resume humanitarian access in all affected areas and to restore basic services, in particular in Tigray, he said.
Further negotiations are encouraged to reach a permanent ceasefire agreement and launch broader political talks, added Borrell. (end) nk.ibi