ECOWAS lifts sanctions on Mali

Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - ECOWAS has lifted the economic, diplomatic and financial sanctions imposed on Mali in the aftermath of the 22 March military coup by low-ranking soldiers.

The lifting of the sanctions followed the deal reached between the regional organization and the coupists, led by Capt. Amadou Sanogo.

''H.E. Blaise Compaoré, President of Burkina Faso and the Mediator appointed by Authority to follow up on the Mali File, held consultations with the various stakeholders, in particular the Junta, different political forces, religious leaders, and civil society,'' ECOWAS Chairman and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said in a statement issued in Abidjan and obtained by PANA here.

''These consultations resulted in the signing of a framework agreement on Friday, 6 April, 2012, for the restoration of constitutional order in Mali. As a consequence, the Chairman of Authority, with the consent of his peers, has decided to lift all the sanctions imposed on Mali with immediate effect,'' he said.

On the rebellion in northern Mali, the Chairman reiterated the position of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, which demands strict respect for the territorial integrity of Mali.

''In that regard, the Committee of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, which met in Abidjan on 5 April 2012, has adopted preparatory measures for the rapid deployment of ECOWAS troops to counter any eventuality. These measures will be presented to the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council by next week,'' he said.
-0- PANA SEG 7April2012