European Union lawmakers are calling on Ethiopia to end its intimidation of opposition parties and immediately release thousands of people arrested during anti-government demonstrations.

In a resolution Thursday, the European Parliament expressed concern about the breakdown of political dialogue between the Ethiopian government and the opposition.  It blamed the deadlock on the ruling party.

Thursday's resolution also urged all parties to resume their talks immediately.

Negotiations over disputed May 15 parliamentary elections broke down last week after the two sides failed to agree on an agenda.

EU lawmakers said they are concerned about a decision by some opposition members of parliament to refuse to take their seats.  And the lawmakers expressed concern about a vote to strip those politicians of their immunity from prosecution.