| Date: 17/05/2012 Time: 12:33:00 PM |
EU High Representative Catherine Ashton Thursday
said it is essential that the military in Mali "return to barracks and allow
the transitional civilian authorities to manage the re-establishment of
administration and preparation for elections."
"Their failure to do so puts at risk the restoration of normal relations
with the country," noted Michael Mann, spokesman of Ashton, in a statement.
"The High Representative is concerned about the continuing failure to
restore a legitimate and constitutional civilian government," he noted.
"The High Representative is ready to consider targeted sanctions against
those obstructing the transition if this becomes necessary," said Mann.
The EU reaffirmed its support for the efforts by ECOWAS (Economic Community
Of West African States) to ensure a peaceful and constitutional political
transition in the south and, in cooperation with other members of the
international community, to find a resolution to the turmoil in the north.
The statement said the EU development assistance to the government will
remain suspended until legitimate government is restored, although direct and
humanitarian assistance to the people will continue in order to support their
needs.
"The EU is particularly concerned that the current stalemate and continued
control of northern regions by rebel forces is preventing the delivery of
essential humanitarian assistance to the population there, said the statement
and urged all parties to open humanitarian corridors that will allow the
necessary aid to reach those in need. |