Refrain from revenge attacks, Malians told
2013-01-31 07:51
Washington - The United States on Wednesday echoed calls
that Malians should refrain from revenge attacks on ethnic minorities as French
troops help liberate key towns from Islamic militants and rebels.
French troops arrived at the Kidal airport on Wednesday just
days after the capture of Gao and Timbuktu in a whirlwind three-week campaign
that Paris hopes to wind down and hand over to African forces.
Washington welcomed the swiftness of the offensive, but
warned of challenges ahead, as the French help Malian troops reclaim swathes of
land seized in recent months by Islamic militants and Tuareg rebels.
"We echo the calls that Malians are making, that French
are making, urging Malian private citizens to refrain from retaliating against
Tuaregs or other ethnic minorities," State Department spokesperson Victoria
Nuland said.
She said the challenge was now "not only to ensure that
these cities that have been regained, and towns, can be held, but that the
international mission... moves in behind Malian forces and the French to
stabilise northern Mali, to go after the rebels... ensure that they can't come
back and regroup".
The United States has now earmarked some $96m to help
support African-led forces due to move in and take over from the French.
Washington is also urging the interim government in Bamako
to hold elections as soon as possible, but "we also have to appreciate
that they can't be held until they are technically feasible".
The Malian parliament on Tuesday adopted a political roadmap
which included a commitment to holding elections by 31 July.
"It'll be important to meet that target in terms of
security," Nuland stressed.
- SAPA
