UNSC urges Malian parties to end fighting

The UN Security Council on Friday urged parties in Mali to end fighting immediately and demonstrate their commitment to the peace process recently marred by renewed tensions in the country's north.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern at the outbreak of violence that has occurred in Mali, which threatens to undermine the peace process, and demanded that the hostilities cease immediately, a UNSC statement said.

They also said the UNSC is ready to "consider targeted sanctions against those who resume hostilities and violate the ceasefire."

"The members of the Security Council expressed their intention to evaluate next steps in light of these violations and events on the ground," said the statement.

The council also encouraged the parties to continue to engage constructively with sustained political will and in good faith with the view to signing the draft Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali on May 15, 2015 in Bamako, the statement said.