UN chief asks for immediate cessation of hostilities in Ethiopia

 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on all parties in Ethiopia to immediately end the fighting in Tigray and other areas, in the spirit of the General Assembly’s Olympic Truce which began just a few days ago.

While speaking to journalists in New York, Guterres said that it would allow for effective humanitarian access and relief to all affected populations throughout Ethiopia.

“And these actions will help pave the way to a much-needed inclusive national dialogue involving all Ethiopians”, he added, noting that “the people of Ethiopia continue to suffer greatly from ongoing conflict and bloodshed.”

Meanwhile, as the UN chief prepares to leave for the Winter Olympics, he reiterated his appeal to all parties to follow the finest tradition of the Olympic spirit to save lives, overcome differences and find the path to real peace.

“For millennia, the tradition of the Olympic Truce has called on all parties, everywhere, to stop hostilities throughout the course of the Games”, he said.