Canada / Statement by Baird on Situation in Mali

OTTAWA, Canada, August 1, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada welcomes the return of interim president Dioncounda Traoré to Mali after medical treatment for injuries he sustained during an attack.

“I am encouraged by Mr. Traoré's commitment to make the transitional government more effective, and we encourage all Malians to work together to restore democratic order to the country and prepare for elections in April 2013.

“However, the situation in northern Mali continues to be deeply troubling. We were appalled by the recent stoning of two individuals in Aguelhoc for adultery. Rebels and Islamist groups have caused enormous suffering—including widespread displacement, murder and rape—for the people of northern Mali.

“Canada stands ready to work with international partners, including the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, to find a sustainable resolution to the crisis in Mali.”