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Intense diplomatic efforts underway to ensure truce in Mali: UN

Xinhua, August 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Nations said Tuesday that intense diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure ceasefire is upheld in Mali and that the parties use the existing mechanisms established under the Peace Agreement.

The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said the clashes that took place in Mali on Aug. 15- 17 "appear to be the first major ceasefire violation since the finalization of the signature of the Peace Agreement by all parties" on June 20, UN associate spokesperson Vannina Maestracci said at a daily news briefing here.

"Efforts are also underway to deploy a Mixed Observation and Monitoring team in Anfis and more information from the team on the situation on the ground soon," she said. "The Mission continues to monitor the situation in Anfis which appears to be calm right now."

The Mission has also established a 20-kilometer security perimeter around Mali's northern city of Kidal -- a measure to prevent any possible escalation of the situation and ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with the UN Mission's mandate, she said.

Fighting erupted over the weekend in Kidal between armed groups, breaking the ceasefire and prompting the MINUSMA to issue a firm condemnation on Monday.

"Pending the conclusions of the investigation team today dispatched to Anefis, MINUSMA condemns in the strongest terms these acts, perpetrated in blatant violation of ceasefire agreements and of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali," to which both rival groups -- the National Movement for Liberation of the Azawad (MNLA) and the Plateform Coalition -- are signatories, the UN Mission said in a statement.

Fighting resumed on Aug. 15 in the town of Touzek Oued, located at the southeast of Kidal, and between Tabankort and Anefis.

"The international community, as well as the population, is concerned by the increasing number of these violations, which could hinder the progress made towards a stable and lasting peace in Mali," said the statement.

MINUSMA reminded the parties that they will have to answer for their actions before the UN Security Council, which, on June 29, said it would consider targeted sanctions against those who obstruct or threaten the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

Urging the armed groups to immediately cease fighting, the Mission stressed that it will not hesitate to take "all necessary measures" to protect civilians, in accordance to its mandate and rules of engagement, said the statement. Endite