Turkey supports territorial integrity of Mali

Turkey has voiced concern over spread of the clashes in northern Mali to the south of the country, while highlighting the importance it attaches to the territorial integrity of the country, Hurriyet Daily News reports. 

“We would like to once more underline the importance that Turkey attaches to Mali’s territorial integrity,” the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement released late Jan. 17, adding that Ankara was closely following developments in Mali.

Turkey pledged to continue supporting international efforts for the building of national reconciliation and a democratic environment through free elections.

Furthermore, it urged for rapid implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2085, which dealt with the situation in Mali and lent support to decisions made by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).