Brussels, 08/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - The EU welcomes the decision taken by the Malian Cabinet to set in place a committee on reconciliation and dialogue, and calls for full implementation of the road map for transition which is to lead to elections this year.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton states the decision “marks an important step in establishing an inclusive process for achieving reconciliation and the political reconstruction of the country”. Her spokesman states in a press release published on 7 March: “The EU encourages the participation of all parties willing to agree to respect the unit, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Mali unconditionally”.
The EU trusts members of the committee will be appointed as soon as possible to enable the committee to begin its work. The EU also expresses its “full support for the implementation of all aspects of the road map by the government of Mali as swiftly as possible, including the guarantee of the protection of civilian populations, the respect of basic rights and freedom of speech, as well as the holding of elections in 2013”, Ashton's spokesman states. (AN/transl.jl)