Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The EU has been concerned about the situation in Mali for some time, notably following the army coup in March 2012 and the takeover at around the same time of much of the north of the country by a range of armed groups. Recognising that the crisis in Mali cannot be addressed through military means alone, the EU has implemented a comprehensive approach to the situation which encompasses diplomatic support, development and humanitarian assistance, as well as support in the areas of security and peacekeeping.

The EU has emphasised the importance of progress on the political track, especially the implementation of the transition roadmap by the Malian authorities. This week, the Foreign Affairs Council welcomed the signing of the interim peace agreement in Mali on 18 June 2013 between the Malian authorities and Tuareg communities in northern Mali, which provides for an immediate ceasefire and paves the way for presidential elections nationwide on 28 July. The EU will continue to encourage the preparations for free and fair elections, a meaningful national dialogue and reconciliation process and full respect for human rights for all of Mali’s citizens.

The EU has also been active in addressing the humanitarian situation in Mali. In May, the EU and France partnered to organise a donor conference on Mali in Brussels at which more than €3 billion was pledged to assist Mali’s recovery. I announced at the conference that Ireland will provide a further €2.5 million to respond to continuing humanitarian needs and to support the recovery of Mali.

The EU has supported international efforts to support stabilisation and counter the threat of terrorism in Mali. Alongside the French-led Operation Serval and the African-led International Support Mission in Mali, AFISMA, the EU Training Mission in Mali - EUTM Mali - forms an integral part of the EU’s role in supporting the request from the UN to member states and regional and international organisations to provide assistance, training and capacity-building support to the Malian security forces to help them to restore the authority of the Malian Government. The EU is currently examining how it can provide further support for the Malian authorities in the area of civilian security and justice in order to contribute to the long-term stabilisation of the country. Furthermore, a number of EU member states, including Ireland, are considering making a contribution to the newly established UN peacekeeping force, MINUSMA, which is due to be deployed at the beginning of July and will build on the work undertaken by France and AFISMA troops to date.

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