Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 January 2013
63. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the French Government has briefed their EU colleagues regarding the current situation in Mali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3204/13]
View answerMali has been the subject of urgent and ongoing discussion by EU Member States since March 2012 when there was an army coup and armed groups seized control of the north of the country. Mali has also been discussed during a number of bilateral exchanges at official and political levels between Ireland and France, including following the French military intervention at the request of the Malian authorities on 11 January. The situation was discussed in detail at an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, in Brussels on 17 January. The Council was addressed by the French Foreign Minister, as well as by the Malian Foreign Minister. The Council had a comprehensive discussion on the crisis and made important decisions on the EU’s collective response in the period ahead.
This latest phase in the crisis began during the week of 11 January when militants based in the north pushed southwards towards Mali’s capital, Bamako. The previous day, the UN Security Council stated that the deterioration in the situation threatened the stability and integrity of Mali "and constitutes a direct threat to international peace and security". The Malian army, with support from France, launched operations to repel the advance.
Following a meeting of the UN Security Council on 14 January, the Secretary General welcomed the response by bilateral partners to the call for assistance by the Government of Mali. The situation in Mali is very complex and volatile. I welcome the decision taken to accelerate the deployment of African regional forces to assist the Malian authorities. This effort is being led by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. The European Union will support the African-led mission. Furthermore, an EU training mission is being established to help strengthen the capacities of the Malian army.
Military action alone will not secure lasting peace and stability. EU Foreign Ministers have consistently pressed the Malian parties to adopt and implement a roadmap for a transition to democratic elections. When this is in place, the EU will be in a position to resume bilateral development cooperation and economic engagement with Mali. It is also essential to have an inclusive process of reconciliation and peace building in Mali that respects the territorial integrity of the country and addresses ethnic divisions.
We are seriously concerned about the impact of this crisis on the civilian population. Over the past year, Ireland has provided over €9 million in emergency assistance for the Sahel region, including €1.35 million for Mali and Malian refugees in neighbouring countries. We will provide further support in 2013.
