EU Presidency Statement on the situation in Somalia

Press release 541/2006
24 December, 2006

The Presidency of the European Union expresses its grave concern at the outbreak of fighting between Ethiopia and the Union of Islamic Courts in Somalia. The Presidency condemns the bombardments and exchanges of artillery fire, which may lead to civilian casualties and to an escalation into full-scale war.

The Presidency of the European Union urges the fighting parties to refrain from hostilities. The European Union reiterates its call upon all states, particularly those in the region, to seek a peaceful solution to the situation in Somalia, to refrain from acts which could endanger the cease-fire and the political process, and to fully observe the arms embargo.