Security Council Press Statement on Mali
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President María Cristina Perceval (Argentina):
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the targeted ambush against a United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) convoy on the road between Ansongo and Menaka, Mali, on 3 October 2014, that killed nine Nigerien peacekeepers of MINUSMA.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the peacekeepers killed, as well as to the Government and people of Niger, and to MINUSMA. The members of the Security Council paid tribute to the Nigerien peacekeepers for their sacrifices and continued efforts in MINUSMA.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to MINUSMA and French forces that support it. The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Mali to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice and stressed that those responsible for the attack shall be held accountable.
The members of the Security Council underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.
The members of the Security Council reminded the armed groups operating in northern Mali of their commitment to cooperate with the United Nations to prevent attacks against peacekeepers in line with the declaration they signed on 16 September 2014 in Algiers.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their support for MINUSMA to assist the Malian authorities and the Malian people in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to their country, as mandated by the Security Council in resolution 2164 (2014).