UNITED NATIONS – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the release of a number of detainees, including major opposition figures, from Ethiopian prisons.

The release's specifics were not immediately available. But, according to reports, it coincided with efforts to initiate negotiations between the government and rebels in northern Ethiopia in the run-up to Orthodox Christmas.

"I call on the parties to build on this critical confidence-building step by agreeing to a suspension of hostilities and a long-term cease-fire, as well as beginning a credible and inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation process," Guterres said in a statement released on Friday. He pledged to continue working with all parties to help Ethiopia put an end to the violence and restore peace and stability."I also look forward to a major increase in humanitarian access to all areas affected by the year-long conflict, following my latest discussion with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed," he said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has long advocated for increased access to victims of the northern Ethiopian war. OCHA warned on Thursday that if humanitarian supplies, fuel, and cash are not delivered to Tigray soon, several UN and non-governmental assistance organisations would be forced to suspend operations.

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