The Security Council strongly condemned the Malian mutiny and demanded the immediate release of the President and government officials

　　China News Agency, United Nations, August 19. The UN Security Council issued a media statement on the 19th, strongly condemning the mutiny that took place in Mali on August 18, and expressed deep concern about the development of the situation.

　　According to media reports, a military mutiny occurred in Mali on August 18. President Keita and Prime Minister Cisse were detained in the military camp. Then Keita announced his resignation through a speech on national television.

　　Council members urged the mutineers to immediately and safely release all detained officials and return to the barracks immediately. The statement emphasized that Mali urgently needs to restore the rule of law and move towards restoring constitutional order.

　　The members of the Council reiterated their firm support for the measures and mediation efforts of the Economic Community of West African States in Mali, and the two communiqués issued by the regional organization on the 18th and the communiqué issued by the President of the African Union. The statement called on all stakeholders in Mali to exercise restraint and give priority to solving the country's crisis through dialogue.

　　In the statement, the members of the Council reiterated their support for the efforts of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission for Mali to stabilize the situation in Mali.

　　The Security Council held an emergency closed-door meeting on the situation in Mali on the afternoon of the 19th. The UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Lacroix, briefed the ambassadors of the 15 member states on the latest developments in Mali.

　　U.N. Secretary-General’s spokesperson Djarik said on the 19th that Secretary-General Guterres will continue to follow developments in Mali “very closely and with deep concern”. The day before, Guterres had issued a statement strongly condemning the mutiny, calling for the immediate restoration of the constitutional order and the rule of law in Mali, and the immediate and unconditional release of President Keita and his cabinet members.

　　Dijarik said that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission for Mali will continue its work and maintain close contact with all parties including the Malian security forces in the northern and central parts of the country.

　　In 2012, armed conflict broke out in Mali. The Security Council passed a resolution in 2013 to establish a multidimensional integrated stabilization mission in Mali to protect civilians, support the government in restoring national power, and assist in humanitarian assistance. (Finish)