Friedensabkommen in Mali vereinbart *

Mali: UN officials welcome accord between Government and Tuareg rebels

18 June 2013 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the signing of an agreement between the Government of Mali and Tuareg rebels, providing for an immediate ceasefire and paving the way for country-wide presidential elections set for next month.

In a statement issued by a spokesperson in New York, the UN chief welcomes the accord reached between the Malian Government and the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad and the High Council for the Unity of Azawad, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where talks between the sides have been under way.

“The agreement provides for an immediate ceasefire, paves the way for the holding of presidential elections nationwide and commits the parties to discussing sustainable peace in Mali through an inclusive dialogue that will take place after the election,” the statements says.

Northern Mali was occupied by radical Islamists when fighting broke out in January 2012 between Government forces and Tuareg rebels. The conflict displaced hundreds of thousands of people and prompted the Malian Government to request assistance from France to halt the southward march of the extremist groups.

The presidential elections in July are considered a key step in the transition process, and the UN and the European Commission have signed a financing agreement for €14.8 million in support of the electoral process.

Mr. Ban’s statement says that he is encouraged by the parties’ commitment to national reconciliation and the resolution of differences through dialogue. “He urges them to begin implementation of the agreement at once.”

Mr. Ban also expresses his gratitude to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its mediation efforts, led by President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso and President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, with the support of the African Union and the UN.

“He reiterates that the United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of the agreement through the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and other members of the United Nations system, in cooperation with the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA), the African Union and ECOWAS,” the statement concludes.

Earlier in the day, Bert Koenders, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Mali and head of MINUSMA, also welcomed the signing of the peace deal, calling it “a crucial first step.”

“It is now important that the signatories are looking to the future and continue their efforts, hand in hand, for a practical implementation of this agreement to begin immediately in a coordinated and peaceful manner,” he said.

Mr. Koenders said he was encouraged by the commitment of the parties to national reconciliation and conflict resolution through dialogue based on human rights.

“I therefore call on all Malians: from north to south, from east to west and elsewhere, to work together to achieve peace,” he said, noting that they have the full support of the international community.

While MINUSMA has been supporting the peace process since it was established in April, Mr. Koenders noted that as of 1 July, a large peacekeeping force will be deployed in the country.

“MINUSMA is already in Mali and will remain there to support the peace process,” he said. “I will chair an international commission to oversee the effective implementation of today's agreements, the success of which will depend on the political will of all Malian actors.”

Source: UN News Centre, 18 June 2013; http://www.un.org

Ceasefire accord ‘significant’ step towards stability in Mali, says UN’s Sahel envoy

19 June 2013 – The United Nations Special Envoy for the Sahel today welcomed the signing of the ceasefire accord between the Government of Mali and Tuareg rebels, and called on the parties to remain committed to peace for the sake of the country and the region.

Northern Mali was occupied by radical Islamists when fighting broke out in January 2012 between Government forces and Tuareg rebels. The conflict displaced hundreds of thousands of people and prompted the Government to request assistance from France to halt the southward march of the extremist groups.

The accord reached yesterday in neighbouring Burkina Faso between the Government and the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad and the High Council for the Unity of Azawad provides for an immediate ceasefire and paves the way for the presidential polls set for July.

“The ceasefire accord, which will facilitate the return of the Government troops and civilian administrators to the northern town of Kidal before the planned presidential election next month, constitutes a significant step towards peace and stability in Mali,” said a statement issued the Special Envoy, Romano Prodi.

He added that peaceful dialogue is the only way forward to ensure stability in Mali and in the Sahel region, which is facing important challenges.

Mr. Prodi is encouraged by the parties’ “positive spirit” to implement the ceasefire deal, the statement noted. “He calls on the signatories to respect the accord and maintain their commitment to peace which is needed for the people of Mali and for the region.”

The Security Council also welcomed the signing of the agreement, and called on all signatories to fully implement its provisions, with the support of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA), the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“The members of the Security Council call on those armed groups in northern Mali that are not signatories to the Agreement, and that have cut off all ties with terrorist organizations, to unconditionally commit to all the provisions contained therein,” the 15-member body said in a statement issued to the press.

The accord was welcomed yesterday by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Representative for Mali, Bert Koenders, both of whom were encouraged by the parties’ commitment to national reconciliation and the resolution of differences through dialogue.

Source: UN News Centre, 19 June 2013; http://www.un.org