France, April 20 -- "The DRC and AFC/M23 (the parties) agreed on the critical importance of ensuring life-saving humanitarian assistance for the people of eastern DRC,"  a statement issued Sunday by both sides -  mediators and other attendees - reads.

The parties agreed to "facilitate rapid, unimpeded, safe, and sustained humanitarian access," and to release prisoners within 10 days as part of efforts "to continue building confidence".

The statement followed five days of talks in Switzerland last week, mediated by Qatar, as mediators push to resolve a years-long conflict that has continued despite a series of peace deals. Protecting civilians 'paramount'

The two sides "agreed to comply with all of their obligations ...