UN Security Council urges immediate implementation of Central African Republic cease-fire
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The U.N. Security Council is welcoming the signing of a cease-fire agreement between armed groups in the Central African Republic and calling on all parties to immediately implement it.
A press statement approved by all 15 council members Thursday underlined that the agreement is "a first step in a wider political process ... of ensuring durable peace, respect for human rights, protection of civilians and the rule of law."
Thousands have been killed since a political crisis deepened in December, igniting unprecedented violence between Christian and Muslim communities. Representatives of the Muslim and Christian factions signed the agreement Wednesday in neighboring Republic of Congo.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Security Council stressed the need to address the underlying causes of the conflict through political dialogue and national reconciliation.