Brussels, 10/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - Though order has not yet been restored to Mali which has now been cut in two after the north of the country fell into the hands of the Tuareg separatist rebels and armed Islamist groups, the EU has welcomed the prospect of the country's return to constitutional rule. On 6 April, the leaders of the military coup of 22 March signed an agreement with ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) under the terms of which the Speaker of the national assembly will take over temporarily in the event of a power vacuum. The formal resignation of Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré on Sunday 8 April paved the way for the junta, which overthrew him, to step aside and for the appointment of a caretaker president who will form a transitional government of national unity to organise fresh elections.
On Saturday 7 April, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d'Ivoire, who chairs ECOWAS, to congratulate him on the agreement signed the previous day enabling a return to constitutional rule in Mali.
“Catherine Ashton pledged the European Union's full support for the efforts of ECOWAS to resolve peacefully the political crisis in Mali. The EU had a vital interest in the security, stability and development of the whole Sahel region, particularly at a time of serious food shortage that was affecting millions of people there. The EU therefore welcomed and supported the strong lead taken by ECOWAS on the crisis, and particularly the clear message to the northern rebels that independence is not an option. A solution must be found by negotiation”, said a statement issued on Saturday by Ashton's spokesperson. Ivoirian President Ouattara briefed the High Representative on the next steps in the transition process, and the preparations for a joint ECOWAS-African Union-United Nations force to support the transitional government in Mali. Under the terms of the agreement signed by the military junta, fresh elections will be held in Mali within 40 days, though it is likely that this timescale will be extended in view of the insurrection in the north. Following the military coup, which drew unanimous condemnation, the EU suspended cooperation with Mali (see EUROPE 10583 and 10582). (AN/transl.rt)