Brussels, 29/08/2014 (Agence Europe) - On the evening of Thursday 28 August, the EU welcomed the efforts made by IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) to find a solution to the crisis in South Sudan and called on all parties to apply the agreement on the cessation of hostilities. Commenting on the results of the IGAD summit earlier this week, the spokesperson of the European External Action Service (EEAS) said in a press release: “We are encouraged by the signing of an agreement on security arrangements, which must be implemented immediately. We also urge the parties to follow up promptly on the protocol for a transitional government of national unity”, for the benefit of all South Sudanese citizens. Any failure to do so will only “accelerate and intensify the humanitarian disaster looming in the country”, the EU warns.
The EU went on to express its concern at the downing of a UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) helicopter on 26 August near Bentiu (Unity State), killing three of the crew members and injuring one. It offers its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims, the government of the Russian Federation and all UNMISS personnel. (AN)