Vietnam supports integrated approach to address challenges in Mali

Peacekeepers patrol in Gao city (Photo: AFP/VNA)

New York (VNA) – Vietnam advocates a coherent and integratedapproach to address security, as well as humanitarian and socioeconomicdevelopment challenges in Mali, Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, Chargé d'Affaires ofthe Vietnamese mission to the UN, said on January 13.

Addressing the UN Security Council’s online meeting on theMali situation and instabilities after the Central Africa elections, Anhstressed the importance of implementing the peace accord, and recognising therepresentation of the signatory movements in the transitional Government as animportant step towards advancing the peace process. 

Anh called on relevant parties to follow the appeal for apeaceful, inclusive transition to institutional and electoral reforms beforethe anticipated elections by  MahamatSaleh Annadif, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of theUnited Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali(MINUSMA). 

Commending MINUSMA for promoting the presence of Stateauthority in northern and central Mali, the Vietnamese representativeunderlined the need to redeploy the reconstituted units of the national armedforces, especially in the north. 

He also expressed his country’s support for the efforts ofthe United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)and the international community in facilitating the transitional processtowards peace and security in Mali.

Speaking at the meeting, Annadif welcomed the fact that alltransitional bodies are now operational and the parties have agreed to arevised Transitional Road Map for implementation of the 2015 Agreement on Peaceand Reconciliation in Mali.  He said thetransition’s success relies on the implementation of critical reforms and theholding of credible elections, the outcome of which is accepted by the majorityof Malians.

Many delegates welcomed the support demonstrated by MINUSMA,ECOWAS, the “Group of Five” for the Sahel (G5 Sahel) joint force and otherregional entities in helping Mali’s transitional authorities restorestability.  Several also welcomed theagreement on a revised Transitional Road Map, while underlining the need forthe global community to remain engaged in Mali’s political process and incounter-terrorism efforts across the wider region.

Many also criticized attacks against civilians and UNpeacekeeping forces in Mali./.

VNA