27/08/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 26 August, the European Union called for an immediate ceasefire in Yemen, stating its concern at the recent escalation of the fighting which has caused a number of civilian casualties and internally displaced people. The EU also calls upon all parties to “work actively towards a negotiated settlement”, states a declaration by the Swedish EU Presidency, which also points out “their obligation to respect human rights law and international humanitarian law”. In this respect, the EU trusts that the parties will “allow citizens wishing to escape from the conflict to reach places of safety, to facilitate access for the UN and NGOs to areas where internally displaced have gathered, and to urgently allow emergency medial and humanitarian relief to reach those internally displaced”. (L.C./transl.jl)