Brussels, 22/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Union has condemned the military coup d'état in Mali and is calling for the return to constitutional order in this Sahel country, which is also a member of the ACP group of states (Africa/Caribbean/Pacific) linked to the EU through the Cotonou agreement. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton expressed the following message in a declaration published on Thursday, 22 March:
“I condemn the apparent coup d'état in Bamako and the suspension of the republican institutions of Mali. I call for the re-establishment of the constitutional order and the holding of democratic elections as soon as possible. I reaffirm the commitment of the European Union to democratic principles, rule of law, and military subordination to the civil power.
In this crucial period for Mali, marked by a rebellion in the North, I call on all parties to show responsibility to ensure respect for human life, fundamental freedoms and the integrity of the country.”
Article 8 of the Cotonou agreement stipulates that political dialogue takes place in the event of a political party denouncing the violation of one or several essential elements of the agreement, such as respect for democratic principles, the rule of law, human rights and good governance.
The military coup d'état in Mali claims to have overthrown President Amadou Toumani Touré, and occurred on the eve of a debate of the EU27 foreign affairs ministers on implementation of the EU security and development strategy for the Sahel region, a year after its adoption. (AN/transl.fl)