AU welcomes Algerian efforts on Mali settlement

The African Union (AU) hailed on Wednesday here the “inestimable” contribution of Algeria and its President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in the pursuit of peace and reconciliation in Mali.
“This is the moment for me to welcome, on behalf of the AU, the inestimable contribution and the sacrifices made by Algeria and its President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in the pursuit of peace and reconciliation in Mali,” said AU Peace and Security Commissioner Smaïl Chergui at the opening of the 7th meeting of the heads of the intelligence services of the Sahel-Saharan region.
He added that the mediation led with the support of the region’s countries and international partners allowed, after 8 months of talks in Algiers, the conclusion of the Malian peace and reconciliation agreement, which application “will contribute constantly to our efforts of the fight against terrorism and the cross-border organized crime.”
The Malian parties to the dialogue for the settlement of the crisis in the northern region of Mali had signed on 1 March in Algiers, a peace and reconciliation agreement under the supervision of international mediation led by Algeria.