Brussels, 11/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Union is deeply concerned by the fall of Konna, a town located on the artificial border between North and South Mali, which was taken over by radical Islamists on Thursday 10 January. The Union continues operational planning of its support mission for the training and restructuring of the Malian Army with a view to deployment during the first three months of 2013. In a statement published on Friday 11 January, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton states: “I condemn in the strongest terms” the attacks by terrorist groups “against Malian forces, and the occupation of the city of Konna”. She goes on to add: “This situation highlights the need for enhanced and accelerated international engagement in support of the restoration of stability and state authority throughout Mali, in line with UNSC Resolution 2085”. Ashton adds that the European Union “will accelerate preparations for the deployment of a military mission to Mali to provide training and advice to the Malian forces and it is taking action to support the rapid deployment of the African-led international support mission to Mali (AFISMA)”. If required, the EU will examine “further targeted sanctions against all groups affiliated to terrorist organisations”, Ashton warns.
That same day, the president of France, François Hollande, responded favourably to the request put by the Malian authorities. The latter called officially on France to provide military support, saying that such aid would come within the framework of the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“We are up against a classic act of aggression. I have therefore decided that France shall respond, alongside our African partners, to the request made by the Malian authorities and will be ready to put a stop to the terrorist offensive should it continue”(our translation), Hollande said on Friday morning addressing the diplomatic corps. (AN/transl.jl)