ADDIS ABABA: The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has welcomed the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)’s announcement of its readiness to abide by an immediate cessation of hostilities and to peacefully resolve the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
“The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement today by the Regional Government of Tigray of its readiness to abide by an immediate cessation of hostilities and to peacefully resolve the conflict in northern Ethiopia,” a statement issued by the spokesman for Guterres Sunday read.
According to the statement, Guterres was “encouraged by the stated willingness” to participate in a robust peace process under the auspices of the African Union (AU).
The Secretary-General further called on the parties to seize this opportunity for peace and to take steps to end the violence definitively and opt for dialogue.
He also encouraged the parties to engage actively with the African Union-led process in good faith and without delay and to create conducive conditions for the talks to take place.
The Secretary-General further reiterated the preparedness of the United Nations to support the AU-led peace process.
On the occasion of September 11, which marks the first day of the Ethiopian New Year, the Secretary-General also wishes all Ethiopians a happy and peaceful New Year.