UN Security Council urges Malian parties to resume talks without delay

The UN Security Council on Friday urged all parties in Mali to resume "without delay" the Algiers peace talks so as to reach a comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement that addresses the root causes of the crisis in the country.

In a presidential statement adopted ahead of the scheduled peace talks, the Security Council urged Malian government and rival armed groups to engage "with sustained political will, spirit of compromise and in good faith" on substantive discussions towards such an agreement.

In this regard, the Security Council called on all parties to make necessary concessions and end hostilities; otherwise it will consider exerting sanctions on those who violate ceasefire.

"The Security Council urges all parties to refrain from any action, whether direct or conducted through proxies, that jeopardizes prospects for peace and, in this regard, expresses its readiness to consider appropriate measures, including targeted sanctions, against those who resume hostilities and violate the ceasefire," said the statement.

The fifth round of the inter-Malian negotiation process in Algiers between relevant parties is scheduled to kick off on Feb. 8. Before the reopening of the talks, rival armed groups in northern Mali clashed near Tabankort region.

Algiers has been working to mediate a process of peace talks since July, and four rounds of peace talks have been held since September.

"The Security Council underscores that only a comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement can bring lasting security to Mali," said the statement. Endite