31/01/2017 (Agence Europe) – The EU shares the "deep concern" of the African Union (AU) about the continuing spread of fighting in South Sudan, and "the risk of inter-communal violence escalating into mass atrocities", and on Monday 30 January it said it fully supported the joint statement adopted the previous day by the IGAD and the United Nations, at the 28th summit of the AU (Addis Ababa, 30-31 January). "The EU joins its voice to that of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations to highlight the need for an inclusive political solution and an active role for the African Union High Representative towards ensuring such a result in South Sudan", a statement published by the spokesperson of the European External Action Service on Monday said. Calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the EU says it "stands ready both to support such an effort and further to strengthen and enhance international co-operation in support of the South Sudan peace process". (AN)