The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, congratulated the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on Thursday 22 December on the signing of a “lasting peace agreement” promoted by the “successful mediation” of the African Union and enabled by a “permanent cessation of hostilities” (see EUROPE 13056/12).
The implementation of the peace agreement requires “strong leadership and a strong and sustainable monitoring mechanism”, Mr Borrell warned. It will allow the EU to resume political dialogue with Ethiopia and, as concrete progress is made, to gradually restore its development cooperation and economic support, he added.
The High Representative urged Ethiopia’s regional neighbours to contribute constructively to the full implementation of the peace agreement, including “the immediate and complete withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Ethiopia”.
Mr Borrell stressed the need for unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to the conflict-affected populations. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)