UN chief urges for peaceful means to resolve Mali issues

The UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon Tuesday urged the Malian leadership to resolve any issues through peaceful means. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ban said he is troubled by the circumstances leading to the resignation of Mali's Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra. "The secretary-general calls again for a cessation of military interference in politics and urges the Malian leadership to resolve any issues through peaceful means," said the statement. Diarra, who had been acting prime minister since April, announced his resignation and dissolved the cabinet early Tuesday. He had called for international military intervention in northern Mali being seized by rebels including both separatists and al-Qaida-linked groups. "These latest developments underscore the importance of sustained national and international efforts to address the political crisis in Bamako,capital city of Mali," said the statement. Ban called on the interim President of Mali Dioncounda Traore to expeditiously initiate consultations on the appointment of a consensual prime minister and the formation of a broad-based inclusive government. "He stressed the urgency of moving forward with the national dialogue in Mali in order to define a consensual roadmap for the transition that includes the holding of elections and leads to the full restoration of constitutional order and territorial integrity, " the statement said. The secretary-general stands ready to use his good offices and relevant United Nations presences on the ground to continue to support Mali in addressing the crisis, it added.