German Foreign Minister Westerwelle condemns violence against civilians in Mali

By Germany - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

BONN, Germany, April 5, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle expressed concern about attacks on the population in Mali in Timbuktu and other places as well as attempts to violently impose Sharia law. He issued the following statement today (4 April):

“The Federal Government is highly concerned about the developments in northern Mali. We strongly condemn attempts to use violence to impose a radical interpretation of Sharia.

ECOWAS and the African Union have our full support for their efforts to resolve the crisis in Mali quickly.

I urge those participating in the coup in Bamako to restore constitutional order without delay. I call on all sides to abstain from further violence.”