Presidency Statement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Uganda

Press release 320/2006
28 August, 2006

The Presidency of the European Union welcomes the signature, on 26 August, of an Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army.

The EU has always advocated a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Northern Uganda and therefore supports the peace talks between the two parties currently being held in Juba under the auspices of the Government of Southern Sudan. The Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities is an important step towards a lasting solution to the conflict.

While commending both parties and the mediators for this important breakthrough, the Presidency of the EU encourages them to co-operate closely to ensure its successful implementation. It also invites them to continue their joint efforts in order to reach a sustainable peace agreement, which should also be in accordance with Uganda's obligations to the International Criminal Court and under international law.