Morocco strongly condemns Saturday violence in Mali, Foreign Affairs Ministry

Morocco "strongly condemns the acts of violence and the armed clashes which took place on Saturday and led to many deaths, dozens of injuries and a hostage-taking situation," said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. The ministry said the Kingdom "follows with deep and genuine concern the serious deterioration of the political and security situation in northern Mali." "The Kingdom of Morocco, which is genuinely committed to restoring peace and promoting reconciliation in Mali, calls on all parties to exercise restraint in making statements and to refrain from any action that could exacerbates tensions and divisions between the components of the Malian people and hamper the process of national reconciliation," the statement added. The ministry notes that "a rapid and unconditional restoration of calm and a sincere dialogue and compromise, and the preeminence of supreme interest of the Malian nation are the only way to ensure sustainable peace and the preservation of the territorial sovereignty and national unity of the country."