Friday, July 13, 2012

US Condemns atrocities in Mali, supports displaced persons

Washington DC:President of the United States has authorized the use of up to $10million  from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund to help the unexpected and urgent refugee and migration needs of the people of Mali.

The west African nation has seen  increased political chaos and tension since the  overthrow of  democratically elected government of Amadou Toumani Toure ,which received a lot of international condemnation.The coup has compounded Mali's internal security issues with the Tuareg rebels which began fighting in the early 1990's over land and cultural rights  in the north of Mali,using the absence of a legitimate government to advance their agenda and pushing deeper south of the country.Reports indicate that the situation has led to the internal displacement of 155,000 Malians and almost 230,000 of them fleeing to Algeria,Burkina Faso ,Mauritania and Niger.In a statement ,US National Security Council spokesman,Tommy Vietor said'' the Obama administration is deeply concerned about the Malian situation and has called on all parties  to support the restoration of democratically elected civilian governance in Mali as soon as possible and specifically asking the interim government to issue its road- map for elections without delay,so preparations can be in earnest"

The statement admonished the military-led National Committee for the Restoration of Democracy (CNRD) to refrain from any interference in political matters and strongly condemned the attacks against civilians in northern Mali,as well as the reported destruction and looting of religious ,historical and cultural sites in Timbuktu.It added that the rebel group in the north should renounce any connection with terrorist groups and enter into legitimate political negotiations,urging all parties  to ensure neutral,impartial and unhindered humanitarian access to all population in northern Mali.

The Obama administration the statement said is solidly behind  leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its mediation efforts and will continue to consult with ECOWAS and other regional stakeholders on the best way to facilitate the political transition and restore peace and security across Mali.   


Source:ABS NEWS ,USA