rki.news Sources Anadolu
Doha, September 24 — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in northern Ethiopia, including reports that three airports in the Tigray region had been seized.
The airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire were reportedly taken amid intensified fighting in and around Tigray, with hostilities spreading to neighboring areas, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
Guterres urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to people in need.
He also called on the parties to avoid actions that could lead to a broader and more devastating conflict.
The UN chief reiterated support for African Union efforts, including engagement by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, to ease tensions and bring the parties back to negotiations.
Guterres further called for the resumption of good-faith talks under the framework of the Pretoria Agreement.
