UN chief welcomes signing of peace accord in Mali

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Saturday welcomed the signing of peace accord by the main rebel coalition of Mali in the African country's capital Bamako.

In a statement released by Ban's spokesperson, The UN Secretary- General congratulates the Malian parties and the Algeria-led Mediation team for their efforts to bring the signing process to a successful completion.

On May 15, in absence of the Malian main rebel coalition, the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), which include three major rebel groups in northern Mali, Mali's government signed the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Bamako with pro- government militias as well as some of the country's minor rebel groups.

"The Secretary-General notes that signature by all parties paves the way for the full and timely implementation of the Peace Agreement," said the statement.

Saying the ultimate responsibility for peace lies with Mali and the Malians, the Secretary-General urged all parties to continue to work in good faith to advance progress and to fully implement the provisions of the ceasefire.

Since the end of April, hostilities have resumed in northern Mali between Tuareg rebels and pro-government militias.

UN Security Council has been calling for immediate end of fighting and urging the CMA to sign the peace accord, brokered by Algeria under auspices of the United Nations, to address the long- term crisis in Mali.