alkhabar
Maghreb
Henri de Raincourt Photo @ APS
"France, given the initiatives taken, particularly in recent weeks by Algeria, fully acknowledges the approach in the process of Algiers, "said the French minister in a press statement following a meeting with the Algerian Minister in charge of Maghreb and African Affairs Abdelkader Messahel. "France is closely following the developments. It seemed necessary to visit the political leaders of Mali, Niger and Mauritania, "he said.
The French official said that "it is quite normal that after this trip, I came to report to Mr Messahel, I am very honored to meet, given the absolutely critical and essential role Algeriahas long played in finding solutions when crises can occur, especially in the northern region of Mali with the Tuareg question, "he said.
"And this is not the first time, because Algeria has shown, in the past, its great knowledge and its experience in this field. Today, France observes that it is converging with Algeria's views on this issue, "added Mr. Raincourt.
For the French minister, "the situation as it evolves today in northern Mali is a subject of concern for all countries interested in what happens in this sector, since everyone obviously wants peace, security, development and the welfare of the people of this region. "
Mr de Raincourt also insisted on " the respect for and territorial integrity of Mali" he said, for maintaining the electoral process in this country, calling, at the same time, for "a cease-fire immediately on humanitarian grounds, but also because it is a precondition for the initiation of a dialogue with all actors who have to deal with this situation to provide, again, the peace and stability in this area. "
In this regard the French minister observed, "we are on the same wavelength so that everyone can contribute to finding good solutions to this issue."
He said that France "for historical reasons as everyone knows, maintains extremely close relations with most African countries, but also with the Maghreb countries and especially with our Algerian friends." For his part, Mr Messahel met with the French Minister to "exchange views on the matter before us, namely a rapid return to normal in northern Mali."
"We are for the continuation of the process that was initiated on February 2 in Algiers between the Malian government and the Tuareg for the parties to seek a solution within the framework of preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Mali" , he said.
This is also explained Mr Messahel, "to create the objective conditions for elections that will take plac on April 29 in Mali." "On that issue, there was a convergence of views and I think the French will make a substantial contribution to the process that was initiated between the Malian government and Tuareg rebels in Algiers," said Messahel.
"We will certainly be other opportunities to meet us and our contacts are ongoing," said the Minister, adding that he had the opportunity and privilege of being informed of the mission of Mr. Raincourt before his departure to Mali, Niger and Mauritania "and today, he noted," his visit allows us to Algeria and France strengthen this dialogue we want permanent in the interest of all parties ".
The French official said that "it is quite normal that after this trip, I came to report to Mr Messahel, I am very honored to meet, given the absolutely critical and essential role Algeriahas long played in finding solutions when crises can occur, especially in the northern region of Mali with the Tuareg question, "he said.
"And this is not the first time, because Algeria has shown, in the past, its great knowledge and its experience in this field. Today, France observes that it is converging with Algeria's views on this issue, "added Mr. Raincourt.
For the French minister, "the situation as it evolves today in northern Mali is a subject of concern for all countries interested in what happens in this sector, since everyone obviously wants peace, security, development and the welfare of the people of this region. "
Mr de Raincourt also insisted on " the respect for and territorial integrity of Mali" he said, for maintaining the electoral process in this country, calling, at the same time, for "a cease-fire immediately on humanitarian grounds, but also because it is a precondition for the initiation of a dialogue with all actors who have to deal with this situation to provide, again, the peace and stability in this area. "
In this regard the French minister observed, "we are on the same wavelength so that everyone can contribute to finding good solutions to this issue."
He said that France "for historical reasons as everyone knows, maintains extremely close relations with most African countries, but also with the Maghreb countries and especially with our Algerian friends." For his part, Mr Messahel met with the French Minister to "exchange views on the matter before us, namely a rapid return to normal in northern Mali."
"We are for the continuation of the process that was initiated on February 2 in Algiers between the Malian government and the Tuareg for the parties to seek a solution within the framework of preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Mali" , he said.
This is also explained Mr Messahel, "to create the objective conditions for elections that will take plac on April 29 in Mali." "On that issue, there was a convergence of views and I think the French will make a substantial contribution to the process that was initiated between the Malian government and Tuareg rebels in Algiers," said Messahel.
"We will certainly be other opportunities to meet us and our contacts are ongoing," said the Minister, adding that he had the opportunity and privilege of being informed of the mission of Mr. Raincourt before his departure to Mali, Niger and Mauritania "and today, he noted," his visit allows us to Algeria and France strengthen this dialogue we want permanent in the interest of all parties ".
