Diplomat Foreign Desk
NEW YORK:DD, The representative of Mali, speaking in exercise of the right of reply, responded to “condescending attacks” by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Algeria “to correct the untruths we heard”.
He recalled that current tensions between the countries are rooted in “unacceptable interference of the Algerian regime” in Malian internal affairs, including disputes regarding a communique issued by Algeria claiming destruction of a Malian drone which purportedly violated Algerian airspace – allegations that are “absurd”, he affirmed.
He stated that the “Algerian regime is sponsoring international terrorism in the Sahel”, is “clearly guilty before the world” and should end support for terrorist groups destabilizing the Sahel.
In a second intervention, Mali’s delegate said the root of the problem lies in Algeria’s unacceptable interference in Mali’s internal affairs, compounded by the destruction of a Malian security drone by the Algerian regime.
He called on Algeria to “consent to our application instituting proceedings with the ICJ” and provide any evidence withheld. Algeria must cease its hostile acts against Mali and instead embrace a constructive approach, he added.(United Nations)
