Security Council Press Statement on Mali

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Ramlan Bin Ibrahim (Malaysia):

The members of the Security Council reiterated their support to the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali and looked forward to its signing by the Coordination armed groups on 20 June, thereby completing the signing process.

Recognizing the aspiration of all Malian citizens to enjoy lasting peace and development, the members of the Security Council urged the Coordination and Plateforme armed groups to refrain from any action that could undermine the peace process and to demonstrate responsibility and courage in the supreme interest of peace in Mali.

The members of the Security Council expressed their concern over the security situation in and around the city of Ménaka (Gao region).

The members of the Security Council urged the Plateforme armed groups to withdraw immediately their forces from the city of Ménaka and to sign the Arrangement sécuritaire pour une cessation des hostilities.