Security Council Press Statement on Mali

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued on 9 April by Council President Susan Rice (United States):

The members of the Security Council acknowledge the signing on 6 April 2012, between the perpetrators of the coup d’état in Mali and the mediation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of a framework agreement providing for a series of steps for the restoration of constitutional order in Mali.  They urge all concerned Malian stakeholders to implement this agreement immediately.

The members of the Security Council reaffirm the need to uphold and respect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Mali and reject categorically any declarations to the contrary.  They demand an immediate cessation of hostilities in the north of Mali by rebel groups and acknowledge the efforts of ECOWAS to explore options to restore peace and security in Mali.  They recall their press statement of 22 March 2012 and their presidential statements S/PRST/2012/7 of 26 March 2012 and S/PRST/2012/9 of 4 April 2012.

The members of the Security Council express deep concern at the increased terrorist threat in the north of Mali due to the presence among the rebels of members of Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and extremist elements.  In this regard they condemn all violence and looting, including against humanitarian workers, and the abduction in Gao of Algerian diplomatic personnel.  They call for the immediate release of all abductees and the immediate cessation of all violence, and renew their call to all parties in Mali to seek a peaceful solution through appropriate political dialogue.

The members of the Security Council reiterate their serious concern over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation.

The members of the Security Council reaffirm their full support to the efforts made by ECOWAS and its mediator, President Blaise Compaoré, as well as by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and by the African Union, for the restoration of constitutional rule in Mali as well as for initiating concrete steps to protect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Mali.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record