Brussels, 14/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - Political dialogue and reconciliation between the different ethnic groups is a must when it comes to rebuilding Mali. Otherwise, the European Parliament states with concern, the situation in Kidal under MNLA Touareg control could endanger the reconciliation process, upset presidential elections planned for 28 July, and seriously hamper the process of reconstruction. The Parliament's resolution on the rebuilding and democratisation of Mali, adopted in Strasbourg on Thursday 13 June, is an expression of deep concern. It calls for the rapid completion of mediation efforts deployed by the president of Burkina Faso as part of the talks underway in Ouagadougou between the Malian government and Touareg rebels, and calls on the Union to commit itself more strongly to the rebuilding and democratisation of Mali.
Parliament underlines the fact that any political solution for rebuilding Mali must be accompanied by a clear and sustainable economic development strategy that addresses the problem of unemployment, and also that it is important to reactivate the provision of basic services which are so essential for the country's stability. It is also appropriate to carry out institutional reform in order to ensure political stability and allow the whole Malian population to take part in building the country's future. The success of the plan for sustainable recovery of Mali, to which the EU will provide financial support of €1.35 billion, depends on the taking into account of the regional and sub-regional dimension, mainly through the consolidation of good governance and better economic integration, the development of economic infrastructure, and the training of human resources in the fields of health and education, the resolution points out.
Parliament also urges the EU and its international partners to assist the governments of West Africa to combat drug trafficking and the proliferation of weapons, and it calls on the Malian government to bring all those responsible for human rights violations to justice, and to cooperate with the International Criminal Court. (AN/transl.jl)