PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
Mali: Gov't raises red flags over provocations of rebels in northern Mali
Bamako, Mali (PANA) – The Malian government has raised red flags over provocations by rebel groups in the north of the country ahead of the opening of inclusive inter-Malian dialogue due for next Wednesday in Algiers and called on the international community to call them to order.
In an official communiqué issued to PANA, the government says that reliable information reveals military consultations and even movement of the troops of the non-state armed groups in several localities of northern Mali.
"Such acts are unacceptable because they violate the ceasefire deal signed on 24 May 2014 and the pertinent UN Security Council resolutions. They come days before the opening of the inclusive dialogue due in Algiers from 16 July 2014,” according to the communiqué.
"Given the gravity of the situation, the government urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), to report those acts and take action in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire and resolution 2164 of the UN Security Council, particularly on protection,” says the text.
The Malian government reassured the people that it would take all measures to avoid an escalation that would be a threat to their peace in this holy month of Ramadan.
The non-state armed groups under the command of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA-separatist) have been controlling the city of Kidal since the defeat of the Malian army on 21 May.
With that victory, they are presently attempting to again to seize new localities in the north - Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal - which were under their control for about 10 months from March 2012 before they were ousted by the French, African and Malian forces in an operation from January 2013.
-0- PANA GT/BEH/MSA/MA 11July2014
In an official communiqué issued to PANA, the government says that reliable information reveals military consultations and even movement of the troops of the non-state armed groups in several localities of northern Mali.
"Such acts are unacceptable because they violate the ceasefire deal signed on 24 May 2014 and the pertinent UN Security Council resolutions. They come days before the opening of the inclusive dialogue due in Algiers from 16 July 2014,” according to the communiqué.
"Given the gravity of the situation, the government urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), to report those acts and take action in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire and resolution 2164 of the UN Security Council, particularly on protection,” says the text.
The Malian government reassured the people that it would take all measures to avoid an escalation that would be a threat to their peace in this holy month of Ramadan.
The non-state armed groups under the command of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA-separatist) have been controlling the city of Kidal since the defeat of the Malian army on 21 May.
With that victory, they are presently attempting to again to seize new localities in the north - Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal - which were under their control for about 10 months from March 2012 before they were ousted by the French, African and Malian forces in an operation from January 2013.
-0- PANA GT/BEH/MSA/MA 11July2014
