15/10/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Saturday 13 October, the EU hailed "the organisation of overall orderly local elections" on 10 October as "an encouraging sign for Mozambique's peace consolidation", and it called on all the parties to "contribute to a peaceful and transparent conclusion of the process". Together with "a good preparation for next year's general elections, this will reinforce the confidence of all Mozambicans aspiring to an inclusive political environment", the spokesperson for the European External Action Service stated in a press release. The EU considers that the start of the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of RENAMO (the Mozambican national resistance) armed elements, which has been officially launched, should "open a new era of reconciliation". The press release adds that "the EU is ready to support all steps leading to a comprehensive and durable peace agreement". (AN)