WASHINGTON, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The United States said on Thursday it welcomes the decision by all parties to end the violence in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Representatives of the ex-Seleka and anti-Balaka armed groups, as well as those from CAR's National Transitional Council, signed a ceasefire agreement on Wednesday to stop the violence in the country.

"This cessation of hostilities agreement represents an important step toward stopping the bloodshed in the Central African Republic and preparing the way for a peaceful and democratic political transition," U.S. State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said in a statement.

The United States "strongly" urges all parties to fully implement the terms of the agreement and to move quickly to hold and conclude further talks on a political way forward, Harf said.

"We call on all parties to take substantive steps toward bringing peace, stability, and justice to the people of the Central African Republic," Harf added.

The spokeswoman added that the United States fully supports further "inclusive, broad-based" dialogue within the CAR to ensure that all of the country's people have the opportunity to make their voices heard.