Wednesday, January 23, 2013

EU Statement - United Nations Security Council: Situation in Mali


22 January 2013, New York - Statement on Behalf of the European Union by HE Mr. Thomas Mayr-Harting, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on the situation in Mali

 - Check against delivery -

Mr. President,

I rise on behalf of the European Union and I thank you for accepting our speaking during the session that brings us together today.

Mr. President,

The EU condemns the actions carried out by terrorist and criminal groups against the Malian armed forces, threatening the territorial integrity and security of the country's population. In these circumstances, and in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council (Resolution 2056 in particular, especially 2071 and 2085) the EU supports the efforts of the region and the international community. It welcomes the rapid response of France, supported by other EU Member States, at the request military assistance against the terrorist and criminal groups expressed by the President of Mali.

The EU supports the rapid deployment of MISMA, in accordance with Resolution 2085, and reiterates its commitment to provide rapid assistance to the Mission, particularly through the mobilization of the African Peace Facility. Preparations of a financial and logistical support, in close relationship with the AU and ECOWAS, are underway. The European Union also participate in donor conference scheduled for 29 January in Addis Ababa. In this context, the EU welcomes the last letter of the Secretary General on the possibilities of providing logistical support to support the MISMA and hope that the Security Council may decide quickly on the authorization of a device for solid funding for the mission.


In response to a direct request from the Malian authorities, and in accordance with Resolution 2085, the EU decided to deploy a training mission (EUTM Mali) in charge of providing military training to Malian armed forces. The Commander of the Mission was appointed (General François Lecointre) and a first technical team is expected to arrive in Bamako in the coming days to deploy the mission during the month of February.

Mr. President,

Political progress are crucial to ensuring the stability of Mali in the long term. In this respect, the EU urges the Malian authorities to adopt and implement as soon as possible a roadmap to restore democracy and the constitutional order. It encourages an inclusive national dialogue open to people in the north and all groups rejecting terrorism and recognizing the territorial integrity of the country. The army must be reformed and submitted to the civil power.

Once the conditions are met, the EU is committed to gradually resume development cooperation and to quickly disburse the funds provided.

The EU reiterates the importance it attaches to the close coordination with efforts in Mali and other regional and international partners. Thus, in close liaison with the United Nations and the African Union, the EU intends to organize in Brussels the next ministerial meeting of the International Group Support and Monitoring of the situation in Mali on February 5.

The EU stands ready to immediately improve its support for humanitarian organizations to help the people of Mali and neighboring countries in need. It emphasizes the importance of effective coordination between humanitarian actors under the auspices of the United Nations, and reiterates its call to all parties to allow humanitarian access to populations without constraint in need and to ensure the safety of workers humanitarian.

The EU calls on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and respect international humanitarian law and human rights. Very careful attention must be paid to the situation of children, not just those who live in war zones or those who carry weapons, but also to children whose lives have been affected by forced removal or disorders at humanitarian. All parties and individuals involved in Mali will be held accountable for their actions.

The EU underlines the importance of maintaining stability in the Sahel and prevent a negative impact on neighboring countries. In this context, it reiterates its commitment to support the neighboring countries of Mali in the context of the Sahel Strategy to enhance their safety and development. To this end, the appointment of a Special Representative of the EU for the Sahel expected shortly.

Thank you for your attention.

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