Mali: Ban strongly condemns attack that kills two civilians and one peacekeeper

“The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the deadly complex attack” north of Douentza, in the Mopti region, and “reiterates that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law,” said Ban's spokesperson in a statement issued overnight.

Ban called for the perpetrators of this attack to be brought to justice, and reaffirmed that attacks against the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) “will not weaken the determination of the Mission to fully implement its mandate” in support of the Malian Government, the parties to the peace agreement and the people of Mali to achieve lasting peace and stability.

The UN chief underscored that the primary responsibility for peace and security lies with the Malian parties, urging them to continue to work to fully implement the provisions of the peace agreement and to do all they can to prevent such attacks against Malian civilians, signatory parties and international forces.

The Secretary-General “extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the Governments and people of Mali and Togo, and wishes a speedy and full recovery to the wounded peacekeepers,” said the statement.

Credit: UN Photo/Marco Dormino

Source: www.justearthnews.com