Statement on the Situation in the North of Mali

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
For Immediate Release                                                                     February 2, 2012
2012/166

 STATEMENT BY VICTORIA NULAND, SPOKESPERSON

Statement on the Situation in the North of Mali

The United States is deeply concerned by continuing incidents of violence in northern Mali.  We condemn the attacks by armed groups against a number of northern towns.  These actions, taken by groups who purport to defend the rights of Malians, instead threaten the well-being of all Malian citizens.  We call for a resumption of dialogue toward a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

We further condemn the apparent retaliatory attacks against members of ethnic groups associated with the situation in the north.  We welcome President Touré’s appeal to the Malian spirit of diversity and democracy and urge the Malian people to heed his call for unity.  We call on the Malian government to continue efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Malian citizens and on the Malian people to remain committed to tolerance and peace.

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