Following the Peace Agreement between the Government and rebel forces concluded earlier this year, that was signed on Saturday by all parties, including the Tuareg rebels, the president of the S&D Group, Gianni Pittella, stressed the importance that the deal calls for the reconstruction of the country's national unity in a way that respects its territorial integrity and takes into account its ethnic and cultural diversity. This will be achieved through the creation of powerful elected regional assemblies led by a directly elected president, as well as greater representation of the northern populations in national institutions.
Gianni Pittella also highlighted:
"We welcome the signature of this milestone agreement and the commitment of all parties. We also salute the leadership of Algeria as well as the commitment of the EU high representative Federica Mogherini to this successful outcome for Mali and the Sahel region. We insist that stability and security in the Sahel region is indispensable to solve many global issues such as forced migration and terrorism. We must understand that what happens in the Sahel region should be treated as if it were happening to us and we will continue to stand with the Malian people who want peace and reconciliation.
"We now call on the president of Mali and his Government to swiftly implement the provisions of the deal and for all parties to respect it, in order for the Malian people to regain trust and confidence in their administration, armed forces and national unity."
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