Security Council Press Statement on Mali Crisis

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom):

The members of the Security Council strongly condemn the forcible seizure of power from the democratically-elected Government of Mali by some elements of the Malian armed forces.  They call on these elements to ensure the safety and security of President Amadou Toumani Touré and return to their barracks.  They demand the release of all detained Malian officials. 

The members of the Security Council call for the immediate restoration of constitutional rule and the democratically-elected Government.  They also call for the preservation of the electoral process as previously scheduled.

The members of the Security Council urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from violence and remain calm.

The members of the Security Council welcome efforts by the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and international partners, especially the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and further express their intention to continue to follow closely the evolution of the situation in Mali.

The members of the Security Council emphasize the need to uphold and respect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Mali.

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For information media • not an official record