UN Chief Voices "Grave Concern" as Tigray Airports Seized
(MENAFN) UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed "grave concern" Wednesday over a rapidly worsening crisis in northern Ethiopia, following reports that three airports in the Tigray region had been seized and occupied.
The airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire were reportedly overtaken amid intensifying fighting in and around Tigray, with the violence spreading into neighboring areas, UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement.
"The Secretary-General calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian partners to reach those in need, and avoid actions that could lead to a broader and more devastating conflict," Dujarric said.
Guterres reaffirmed his backing for African Union mediation efforts, including the involvement of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, aimed at defusing tensions and bringing the warring parties back to the table, Dujarric added.
The UN chief further called for a resumption of good-faith negotiations under the framework of the Pretoria Agreement.
The airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire were reportedly overtaken amid intensifying fighting in and around Tigray, with the violence spreading into neighboring areas, UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement.
"The Secretary-General calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian partners to reach those in need, and avoid actions that could lead to a broader and more devastating conflict," Dujarric said.
Guterres reaffirmed his backing for African Union mediation efforts, including the involvement of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, aimed at defusing tensions and bringing the warring parties back to the table, Dujarric added.
The UN chief further called for a resumption of good-faith negotiations under the framework of the Pretoria Agreement.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment