The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSMA, Mr. Mongi Hamdi, accompanied by the Ambassador of Algeria, who leads the International Mediation in the inter-Malian talks, the Ambassador of France, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States in Mali and representatives of the African Union and ECOWAS were received by the President of the Republic of Mali, H.E. Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, yesterday.
The objective of the meeting was to discuss ways and means to restore calm in the regions of the north following the recent increase in tensions and violations of the ceasefire, and to make progress in the peace process with a view to the signing of the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement on 15 May.
Mr. Hamdi assured the President of the support of the United Nations and all regional and international partners for Mali and its people in the efforts to achieve the signing of the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement and in its implementation.
“We told the President that we are keen to see the Agreement signed on the 15th of this month and that we will continue to work tirelessly to advance the peace process. We are multiplying the efforts to ensure the full adherence of the Malian stakeholders to this Agreement. In this respect, I welcome the spirit of compromise, courage and goodwill that the President has once again demonstrated to move forward and prepare for the signing of the Agreement on 15 May under the best conditions,” Mr. Hamdi said after the meeting.
“I would also like to thank the President for his support for our efforts to conclude a solid agreement for the cessation of hostilities as soon as possible to restore security on the ground before the signing of the Agreement,” Mr. Hamdi added.
Mr. Hamdi reiterated his call on all parties to commit to signing the Peace Agreement and to implementing it, with the support of the international community and the United Nations. He stressed the importance for all Malian parties to seize this opportunity to make the 15th of May a historic date in the history of Mali and its people by signing the Peace Agreement.
“For its part, MINUSMA remains firmly committed to helping Mali and supporting any action that promotes peace, social cohesion and national reconciliation. We are there to support all Malians in establishing this just, lasting and credible peace that everybody expects,” Mr. Hamdi concluded.
