21/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - EU welcomes release of four Djiboutian soldiers. The release of four Djiboutian prisoners of war by the State of Eritrea on Friday 18 March has been welcomed by the European Union. In an official statement published on Sunday 20 March, the spokesperson for the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, said that “The release of a group of Djiboutian prisoners of war by the State of Eritrea is a significant step that should provide the basis for reconciliation between the Republic of Djibouti and the State of Eritrea”. The EU used this opportunity to thank all parties involved, and in particular “the State of Qatar for its tireless efforts” that paved the way for resolving the issue. The Djiboutian soldiers who have now been freed were taken prisoner in 2008 during a border clash between Djibouti and Eritrea over control of territory in the Ras Doumeira region. (AN)