1st LD: UN chief hails progress for peace in Mali

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Friday welcomed "the recent progress toward the establishment of an inclusive peace in Mali," saying that the signing of a peace accord represents "an important step forward."

"The initialing on 1 March in Algiers of a draft agreement on peace and reconciliation in Mali by the government of Mali and the Plateforme coalition of armed groups is an important step forward, " said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.

"The secretary-general commends the parties for the progress achieved to date and expresses his gratitude to Algeria and the members of the international mediation team for their dedicated efforts in support of the resolution of the conflict," the statement said.

The agreement was signed by representatives of the Malian government and some political military movements from northern Mali in the Algerian capital of Algiers on Sunday. The UN-brokered deal seeks to tackle decades of uprisings and instability in northern Mali.

The accord, reached after eight months of negotiations in Algeria, provides for the transfer of a raft of powers from Bamako to the north, an area the size of Texas that the rebels refer to as "Azawad."

Algeria has been working to mediate a process of peace talks since last July, and several rounds of negotiations have been held in the country since last September.

"The secretary-general notes that the political will and ownership of all Malian parties is essential for sustainable peace, " the statement said. "In this regard, he encourages the Coordination coalition of armed groups to initial the draft agreement."

"The secretary-general calls on all parties to continue to engage to reach a final settlement," the statement said. "The United Nations remains committed to support Malians in their search for peace, security, justice and development through the full and timely implementation of a future agreement." Endite