US welcomes Mali agreement

The United States welcomes the Preliminary Agreement on Presidential Elections and Inclusive Peace Talks in Mali signed by the interim government of Mali and northern armed groups, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Wednesday. “The agreement clears the way for the return of Malian administrative and security authorities to Kidal to permit the holding of presidential elections there on July 28,” Psaki said in a statement. “It also sets the stage for a second phase of negotiations and inclusive dialogue with an elected Malian Government aimed at fostering national reconciliation and building a sustainable peace.” “We applaud the leadership of the ECOWAS, African Union, and U.N. mediators and international partners. As an active participant in the efforts of the international community in Mali, we welcome the opportunity to support efforts to oversee implementation of the agreement,” Psaki said.