Brussels, 22/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - “Unreservedly” condemning the resumption of fighting in Kidal, north-east Mali, between the Army and rebel touaregs of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), the European Union on Thursday 22 May called for an immediate ceasefire so that dialogue can resume, as requested by Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.
“An immediate ceasefire is a vital stage for the reopening of talks in the framework of a process of dialogue and reconciliation, as is provided for. It is essential that all parties fully recognise the need for a solution to be reached through dialogue and not through weapons, as well as the fact that the region of Kidal belongs to the Republic of Mali, represented by the state administration”, stressed a press release published on Thursday evening by the spokesperson to Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (our translation).
The European Union also reiterated that “together with other international partners, such as the United Nations”, it stands “ready to facilitate such talks in full respect of the unity, territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Mali” (see EUROPE 11082).
On Wednesday, the touareg rebels of the MNLA announced that they had taken control of Kidal and other cities in northern Mali. (AN)