PSC/PR/COMM. (CCCXXIII)
Page 2
the country, as well as the threat that recourse to armed rebellion poses to the viability of African
states and to the democratization processes on the continent;
8.
Also condemns the violations of human rights and abuses committed by the armed and
terrorist groups operating in the northern part of Mali and expresses concern at the humanitarian
situation on the ground. Council commends the countries hosting a large number of Malian
refugees, namely Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Niger, and recognizes the burden borne
by them as a result of this situation. Council also commends the humanitarian organizations
involved in the relief operations for their efforts, and urges AU member States and the
international community at large to extend the required assistance to the affected civilian
populations;
9.
Expresses its full support to all efforts aimed at addressing, by peaceful means, the causes
of the recurring rebellions in Northern Mali, and to dialogue with Malian groups that would
commit themselves to negotiate on the basis of the following principles: the scrupulous respect
for the national unity and territorial integrity of Mali, which cannot be subject of any discussion or
negotiation, the total rejection of the recourse to armed rebellion, and that of any relation with
terrorist and criminal networks, which must be neutralized by all possible legitimate means;
10.
Reaffirms its support for the continuation of the ECOWAS mediation, with the
participation of the core countries, in accordance with its communiqué of 20 March 2012, and
requests the Chairperson of the AU Commission to take the steps he deems appropriate to back
the mediation efforts and facilitate coordination among all concerned;
11.
Stressesthe urgent need to create a conducive environment to enable the transitional
institutions to fully exercise their responsibilities, in conditions of security and without any
interference by the military junta and its civilian supporters, as well as the need for the scrupulous
respect for fundamental freedoms. In this respect, Council strongly condemns the unacceptable
physical assault against the Interim President, calls for the speedy identification and trial of all
those involved in the attack, and demands the immediate dissolution of the National Council for
the Recovery of Democracy and the Restoration of the State (CNRDRE), whose existence, under
any form, is not consistent with the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Mali.
Council reiterates its determination to take and implement sanctions against all those whose
action is impeding the full return to constitutional order, and requests the Commission, in
consultation with ECOWAS and other stakeholders, to draw up a preliminary list of individuals and
entities, in particular the members of the military junta and their civilian supporters, undermining
the process of returning fully to constitutional order, for consideration and action as appropriate;
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12.
Expresses its full support to the transitional institutions, and urges all AU Member States
and partners to extend the required assistance to facilitate the attainment of the objectives of the
transition, namely the reorganization and restructuring of the security and defense forces, the
restoration of State authority throughout the territory of Mali, and the organization of
free,fairand transparent elections, within the agreed period of 12 months;
13.
Requests the Malian Government to fully assume its responsibilities in the management of
the transition, stresses the need for close and continued cooperation between the Government
and the different political actors and civil society in Mali on the various challenges facing the
country, and encourages all the Malian stakeholders, with the support of ECOWAS, to quickly