10/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - In a declaration published on 9 October, the EU presidency states it is “concerned about the evolving security situation in the Somali northern region of Sool, particularly in and around the regional capital of Las Anod”. Tension between Puntland and Somaliland has increased as the two entities, which are located in the north-east and north-west of the country respectively, quarrel over the same territory. “The EU urges all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from any further confrontation to avoid further escalation and degeneration into a wider conflict”, the Portuguese EU Council presidency declaration adds. Calling on all parties to settle the current dispute “through peaceful discourse”, the EU calls for “an immediate unconditional state of cessation of hostilities” and “space for dialogue and reconciliation”. The EU considers that “military confrontation will not serve the interest of the local communities but instead threaten the stability of the area as a whole”. (ab)