The Earl of Bessboroughasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will call upon the Ethiopian Government and the resistance movements against which they are fighting to negotiate a ceasefire so that aid can reach the victims of the famine as soon as possible.
§ Lord GlenarthurOn 18th December the Twelve issued a declaration appealing to all concerned in the conflict in Ethiopia to take the necessary action to secure free passage for international relief. They also reiterated their call, in the Foreign Ministers' statement of 21st July 1986, for further steps to be taken by the governments concerned in the Horn of Africa to achieve the peaceful settlement of internal conflicts and the full respect of human rights. A ceasefire based on humanitarian considerations would indeed relieve much suffering and assist relief efforts.