Catherine Ashton, the European Union's foreign policy chief, on Thursday called for an end to violence in Central African Republic (CAR), claiming she was "alarmed" by the deteriorating situation in Bangui, the capital of CAR.

"The violence must stop and all civilians must be protected. The transitional authorities of the Central African Republic must be supported in their fight against impunity and in their efforts to promote dialogue and mediation initiatives." She said in a statement.

The combined action of the African force MISCA and the French operation Sangaris is essential to contain the tension and to restore public order as soon as possible and any attack against them is "unacceptable", she said.

"I strongly condemn the targeted killings of civilians on the basis of religion and ethnicity. I am particularly alarmed by the vulnerability of minorities who are increasingly victims of retaliation," she added.

Ashton called on the international community to "act swiftly" to prevent further bloodshed and said the EU would take part in efforts to restore stability and security in Bangui and the rest of the country.

Fighting broke out in the CAR a year ago when the so-called predominantly Muslim Seleka rebel group overthrew the government. It then installed Michel Djotodia as its president.

Violence escalated again several months later as Christian groups began forming what they described as self-defense militias against Seleka fighters. The crisis prompted a French and African Union military intervention and, finally, President Djotodia's resignation. Endi

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