Statement on Mali Signing Ceremony
Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa and sub-Saharan African Economic Policy, Bisa Williams
Friday, May 15, 2015
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the Malian people on today’s signing ceremony. This peace accord – the product of eight months of negotiations and supported by Mali’s many international partners – represents the aspirations of the Malian people to live in peace. We recognize those parties which have signed the Accord today and we urge those who have not to accelerate their peaceful efforts and sign the Accord in the near future – the Malian people deserve peace and cannot wait indefinitely.
As we come together to observe this important step in the peace process, we recognize that no document can address all grievances or resolve every dispute. Rather, this Accord, establishes an important framework for the parties to work together in the interests of the Malian people. Indeed, the work ahead to secure the signature of all parties and implement the many governance, development, and security elements of this Accord will be at least as challenging as the eight month path that has led us here. Translating this Accord into a durable peace will require all parties to demonstrate their willingness to negotiate, to compromise, and to resolve their differences through dialogue, rather than violence. We call upon all parties to return to and maintain the cease-fire. Provocations and violations of the cease-fire cannot be accepted.
The United States of America will continue to stand with the Malian people throughout this important period and over the years to come. We are committed to working together to support a durable peace, the return of basic services to the north, the economic development of all of Mali, and the sincere national reconciliation of all Malians.
