02/03/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 1 March, the EU expressed its solidarity with the MINUSMA peacekeeping troops who were again targeted by new murderous attacks in the centre of Mali two days previously. "These attacks against forces working to maintain the peace and protection of Malian citizens from terrorism are aimed at preventing peace in Mali", the spokesperson for the European External Action Service stated in a press release. Offering the EU's condolences, the spokesperson reiterates that "the EU remains firmly committed alongside the international community to supporting the efforts of the G5 Sahel in the fight against terrorism and in favour of the country's peace, security and development" (see EUROPE 11968). (AN)