Canada Calls for Calm in Mali

OTTAWA, Canada, May 3, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada is deeply concerned by reports of violence in Mali's capital of Bamako that has claimed several lives and left more persons injured.

“We call on all Malians to respect the spirit and the letter of the April 6 agreement and to support the transitional government as it works to restore democracy and constitutional order in Mali.

“Canada urges the military to refrain from arbitrarily detaining individuals, to allow the media to function freely and to enable the civilian interim authorities to govern in the interests of the people.

“Canada stands ready to work with the Economic Community of West African States and other partners on solutions to this crisis, and to help a democratic Mali build a better, brighter future for all Malians.”