Statement by the Spokesperson on the Interim Joint Ceasefire Agreement reached in the Philippines

On 5 April the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines reached an Agreement on an Interim Joint Ceasefire which is to be effective until a permanent ceasefire agreement is forged as part of a Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.

This Interim Agreement demonstrates the power of political processes to resolve conflict. It is an encouraging step towards generating goodwill and trust in the peace negotiations, to encourage the forging of a more stable and comprehensive Joint Ceasefire Agreement and to provide an enabling environment for an early signing of a comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms. If asked, the European Union stands ready to support the implementation of the agreement.