Condemning Deadly Terrorist Attack in Mali, Secretary-General Expresses Full Support to Authorities Fighting against Extremist Groups

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the horrific terrorist attack at the Radisson hotel in Bamako which killed an unknown number of civilians and injured many more.  He expresses his sincere condolences to the Government of Mali and the bereaved families, and wishes a speedy recovery to the wounded victims of this attack.  The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been assisting the Malian authorities in the handling of this crisis.

The Secretary-General notes with concern that these attacks are taking place at a time when the peace process is making good progress and the signatory groups to the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, in particular the Coordination des Mouvements de l'Azawad and the Plateforme, were in Bamako to attend the sixth meeting of the Comité de suivi de l'Accord with the Malian Government and international partners.

The Secretary-General deplores any attempt to derail the implementation of the Agreement.  He expresses his full support to the Malian authorities in their fight against terrorist and extremist groups.  He welcomes the statements of the signatory parties to the Agreement that they remain committed to its implementation.  He also reiterates the commitment of the United Nations, through MINUSMA, to support the Malian Government and the parties to the Agreement at this critical juncture in the peace process.