Peace Agreement implementation: Mali has its chance on path to normality

The first year of the implementation of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in Mali has showed that Mali has its chance to return on path to normality, said Tuesday in Bamako Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ramtane Lamamra.
In his opening address at the 11th session of the Algerian-Malian Strategic Committee on Northern Mali, Lamamra pointed out the “positive” spirit in which the session is being held, marked by “a feeling that Mali has its chance to return on path to normality and preserve its territorial integrity.”
A year has passed since the Agreement was signed, first in Algiers on 15 May and then in Bamako on 20 June 2015, with significant progress made on the ground, he said.
Lamamra underlined the experience of the bilateral Strategic Committee, adding that this experience, initiated following the Malian president’s request to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to launch the inter-Malian dialogue for peace and reconciliation.
The experience of the inter-Malian dialogue, with an international mediation, was “unique” as it involved neighbouring countries as well as regional and international organizations, he explained.
“The success of the Agreement’s implementation is the only solution,” said Lamamra, stressing the population’s legitimate demand to ensure security and stability.
The Agreement implementation also involves combating terrorism and criminal economy, he said, adding that was the reason why terrorists had “redoubled fierceness” to undermine it.
“Defeating terrorism would ensure the success of the Agreement’s implementation,” said Lamamra, adding that “today, new horizons have opened for Mali.”