The United States today expressed condemnation on continuing incidents of violence in northern Mali.
the Statement on the Situation in the North of Mali
A spokeswoman for the State Department, Victoria Nuland, told reporters in Washington Thursday that the United States is concerned about the continued violence in northern Mali towns.
“We condemn the attacks by armed groups against a number of northern towns. These actions, taken by groups who purport to defend the rights of Malians, instead threaten the well-being of all Malian citizens.” -Ms. Nuland
She calls for a resumption of dialogue toward a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
“We further condemn the apparent retaliatory attacks against members of ethnic groups associated with the situation in the north.” -Ms. Nuland
She states that the United States welcomes President Toure’s appeal to the Malian spirit of diversity and democracy and urge the Malian people to heed his call for unity.
She urges the Malian government to continue efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Malian citizens and on the Malian people to remain committed to tolerance and peace.
Tuareg rebels launched a new rebellion in the north on January 17. Since then, troops have clashed with rebels in several northern towns.
Tuareg nomads are present throughout the Sahel region of Africa. Both Mali and Niger have battled Tuareg uprisings in the last decade.
