DUBLIN, Ireland, January 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ — At this morning’s special meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on Mali, the Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, T.D. condemned the actions of terrorist groups in Mali.
In the EU meeting with Foreign Minister Coulibaly of Mali, the Minister expressed her support for the Malian Government and stressed that the lead role in dealing with crisis must be taken by Mali and its neighbours. The Minister said:
“Military action alone will not secure peace and stability in Mali. I urge the Malian parties to adopt and implement a roadmap for transitions to democratic elections.”
Minister Creighton welcomed the decision to send an EU mission to Mali to support the training and reorganisation of the Malian army and help them protect Malian citizens.
EU Ministers also expressed their support for France in its UN-endorsed intervention in Mali to support the Malian Government.
The Minister also expressed concern about the impact of the crisis on innocent civilians and at the potential negative effects across the wider region.
“I urge all parties to the conflict to respect the safety of civilians and not to impede the delivery of humanitarian assistance.”
Ireland has provided over € 9 million in assistance to the Sahel region with €1.3 million for the Mali crisis.
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