Brussels, 27/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on Monday 28 May, the Foreign Affairs ministers of the EU welcomed the success of the conference of the donors for the development of Mali, which has received €3.25 billion in pledges for the plan for the sustainable relaunch of the country. In its conclusions, the Council calls on Mali and all of the international partners swiftly to translate these commitments into action. The EU described as encouraging the efforts made by the Malian authorities to speed up implementation of the roadmap for the transition, as shown by the adoption of a revised legal and administrative framework for the presidential elections scheduled for 28 July. It will continue to provide technical and financial assistance for a credible electoral process and supports the decision of Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to send an election observation mission by request of the transition authorities.
The EU urges the Dialogue and Reconciliation Commission to start its work as soon as possible in order to ensure national dialogue which is open both to civil representatives and representatives of non-terrorist and non-criminal armed groups which have laid down their weapons. It stresses that the fight against impunity and the full exercise of justice must constitute a fundamental element of the reconciliation. The EU welcomes the appointment of a government representative to lead talks with these groups. It is of the greatest importance that the conditions are fulfilled for the re-establishment of state administration throughout the territory of Mali and for the holding of elections, including in the region of Kidal and in the refugee camps, the Council states.
The EU supports the transformation of the Africa-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) into a United Nations Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission (MINUSMA), which will help to protect civilian authorities throughout the country. The Council reiterates its preparedness to examine the options of emergency support to the authorities of Mali in the field of internal security and justice, in order to contribute to the sustainable stabilisation of the whole of the country, in close cooperation with MINUSMA.
Welcoming the progress made by EUTM Mali, the advisory and training mission for the Malian forces, including in the fields of human rights and international humanitarian law, the Council urges the member states and international partners of Mali to provide or to increase their support in order to provide the Malian forces with the resources and equipment they need.
Mali/Niger. The Council speaks out in the strongest possible terms against the terrorist attacks carried out on 23 May in Agadez and Arlit in Niger, for which responsibility has been claimed by Mujao, a jihadist group with connections to AQIM, which was thrown out of North Mali by the Serval intervention in January. The EU reaffirms its commitment to fight terrorism and to promote security and development throughout the Sahel, in cooperation with its international partners. (AN/transl.fl)