PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
UN chief insists on constitutional rule in Mali
New York, US (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, on Thursday welcomed the Security Council’s condemnation of the seizure of power in Mali by a military junta, and its renewed call for the restoration of constitutional rule in the African country.
“This is a firm and clear message that should be heeded without delay," Ban said in a statement issued at the UN headquarters in New York.
"The Secretary-General also joins the Council in demanding that rebels, who are conducting attacks, looting and seizure of territory in the north of Mali, cease all violence and seek a peaceful solution through political dialogue,” according to the statement.
It said Ban has continued engaging with regional and other leaders on the situation in Mali, having held conversations with the President of Mauritania, Ould Abdel Aziz, the President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, and the Foreign Minister of Algeria, Mourad Medelci.
The UN chief has also held discussions with the President of Cote d’Ivoire and the ECOWAS Chairman, Alassane Ouattara, the President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore, who is also the ECOWAS appointed mediator on Mali, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping.
He also reaffirmed his support for regional efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the crises in Mali and renewed his concern over the growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel region.
He further urged regional leaders to continue to work together and with the wider international community to combat the scourge.
In a presidential statement on Wednesday, the UN Security Council reiterated its earlier condemnation of the rebels’ actions, and said it expected the mutineers to take immediate steps to restore constitutional rule.
It also expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation, and called on all parties in the country to allow access to aid organizations to provide assistance to civilians in need.
Two weeks ago, rebel Malian soldiers took control of the country and announced the dissolution of the Government of President Amadou Toumani Toure.
In addition, renewed fighting in northern Mali between Government forces and Tuareg rebels has uprooted more than 200,000 people since January, with the majority seeking safety in neighbouring countries and some 93,000 believed to be internally displaced.
-0- PANA AA/VAO 5April2012
“This is a firm and clear message that should be heeded without delay," Ban said in a statement issued at the UN headquarters in New York.
"The Secretary-General also joins the Council in demanding that rebels, who are conducting attacks, looting and seizure of territory in the north of Mali, cease all violence and seek a peaceful solution through political dialogue,” according to the statement.
It said Ban has continued engaging with regional and other leaders on the situation in Mali, having held conversations with the President of Mauritania, Ould Abdel Aziz, the President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, and the Foreign Minister of Algeria, Mourad Medelci.
The UN chief has also held discussions with the President of Cote d’Ivoire and the ECOWAS Chairman, Alassane Ouattara, the President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore, who is also the ECOWAS appointed mediator on Mali, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping.
He also reaffirmed his support for regional efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the crises in Mali and renewed his concern over the growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel region.
He further urged regional leaders to continue to work together and with the wider international community to combat the scourge.
In a presidential statement on Wednesday, the UN Security Council reiterated its earlier condemnation of the rebels’ actions, and said it expected the mutineers to take immediate steps to restore constitutional rule.
It also expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation, and called on all parties in the country to allow access to aid organizations to provide assistance to civilians in need.
Two weeks ago, rebel Malian soldiers took control of the country and announced the dissolution of the Government of President Amadou Toumani Toure.
In addition, renewed fighting in northern Mali between Government forces and Tuareg rebels has uprooted more than 200,000 people since January, with the majority seeking safety in neighbouring countries and some 93,000 believed to be internally displaced.
-0- PANA AA/VAO 5April2012
