FCO Minister welcomes authorisation of new UN Mission in Mali

LONDON, United-Kingdom, April 26, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, has welcomed the authorisation of new UN Mission in Mali.

Speaking yesterday, Foreign Office Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, said:

“I am pleased to be able to welcome the adoption today of UNSCR 2100 authorising the deployment of a UN Mission to Mali, to be called MINUSMA. Following French and African military operations in northern Mali, this is the appropriate next phase in returning security and stability to the country. We are pleased that as well as authorising deployment of a peacekeeping operation, the Resolution makes clear the importance of reconciliation and dialogue between all parties. Ultimately a negotiated political settlement between north and south is the only way to guarantee long-term stability.”