‘Excellent news’: World hails outcomes of Ethiopia peace talks

NEWS AGENCIES|ADDIS ABABA: The UN and other world bodies have welcomed the outcome of African Union-led Ethiopia peace talks hosted by South Africa, hailing it as excellent news.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement as a “welcome first step” in ending the fighting.

“It is very much a welcome first step, which we hope can start to bring some solace to the millions of Ethiopian civilians that have really suffered during this conflict,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

On his part, African Union president and Senegalese President Macky Sall said it was “excellent news”.

“I congratulate the parties and strongly encourage them to persevere on the path towards a permanent peace,” he said.

The European Union congratulated both sides “for their commitment and courage towards peace”, but encouraged further talks to achieve “a permanent ceasefire agreement”.

“A swift implementation on the ground of the agreement reached today is needed,” it added.

“Priority is to resume humanitarian access in all affected areas and to restore basic services, in particular in Tigray.”