UNSC, Ban strongly condemn terrorist attack in Mali

UN Security Council and Secretary General Ban Ki-moon "condemned in the strongest terms" the attack on international peacekeepers in Mali earlier Saturday, urging authorities to bring perpetrators to justice. Unidentified armed assailants attacked the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Kidal, killing at least two peacekeepers. The bombing attack at the Banque malienne de solidarite in Kidal suspected to be carried out by separatist Tuareg rebels, took the lives of two UN peacekeepers and injured at least seven others and four more Malian National Guards. In a press statement, the Council President, France, said the Council reiterated its full support to MINUSMA and the French forces which support it, and called on the Malian Government to swiftly investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice and held them accountable. It reiterated its support to the Malian authorities and MINUSMA to stabilize Mali, re-establish State administration throughout the country and launch an effective and inclusive national dialogue. The Council reaffirmed the need to combat "by all means," threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, and that any acts of terrorism are "criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed." Ban said in a statement issued by his press office that the UN remains "undeterred in its mission to support the people and Government of Mali in building lasting peace in their country," and encourages all Malians to reject violence and support the peace process, including through their participation in Sundays second round of legislative elections. Ban and the Council extended their deepest sympathies to the Senegalese Government and the families of the peacekeepers who lost their lives serving the international community and the cause of peace.