AlHijjah 27, 1434, Nov 1, 2013, SPA -- The United States condemned the use of violence on civilians in Mozambique on Thursday and expressed concern about escalating violence between the army and opposition party Renamo. "We condemn the use of violence to address political differences and call on all parties to immediately end the hostilities and take decisive and visible steps to de-escalate growing tensions," the State Department said in a statement. "We condemn in the strongest possible terms the reprehensible attacks on innocent civilians and offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their loved ones," the statement added. On Wednesday, Renamo said the army was targeting its leader after President Armando Guebuza said the former rebel group was threatening national sovereignty with renewed attacks on civilians, police and army posts. According to the State Department, the United States welcomed earlier statements by both the government and the opposition calling for peaceful and constructive talks, and urged the parties to pursue a peaceful solution.
