The crisis in Mali has not been overcome yet with groups of insurgents concentrated along the borders with Algeria. The military operation in the country was well-timed but soon Mali will face a much more difficult period – a period of stabilization, Russia’s ambassador in Mali Alexei Dulyan said in an interview with the Voice of Russia.
The situation in the Middle East and in North Africa has been one of the main topics of international politics for more than 2 years. Recently the republic of Mali has been added to the list of key players. After the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya armed Islamic insurgents occupied the north of Mali. The operation of French troops on their liquidation was well-timed but radical Islamic organizations in the country are still strong, Russia’s ambassador in Mali Alexei Dulyan says.
"By now three main regional centers have been freed from the insurgents. But in the area of the town of Kidal combat action still continues. Now most of the insurgents are concentrated in the areas close to the Algerian border. Seven French hostages are presumed to be held also somewhere in that area. It will take a lot of time to clean up the areas where Islamists found their shelter. Some of them are still hiding in the north, while others have fled to the neighboring countries, presumably to Mauritania and Niger. They are waiting for the right moment for regrouping and resumption of their activities."
Alexei Dulyan reiterated that Russia had upheld the approval of Resolution 2085 which sanctions foreign military intervention to Mali. The document gives time limits for the completion of the military operation. However the Russian ambassador does not rule out that this plan may be revised.
"Perhaps the presence of "blue helmets” will be required and in general the situation may require a reformatting of the entire operation. Resolution 2085 envisages a slightly different scenario giving the key role to the Malian army with the support of the contingents of ECOWAS (The Economic Community of West African States). The participation of French troops was not envisaged. The document implied that France would help Mali with force projection but the real situation brought about a different scenario. That is why it is likely that corrections on the international level will be required."
Today the authorities of Mali are facing two tasks – to free the North and to hold democratic elections. According to Alexei Dulyan, the most difficult task will be to stabilize the situation after the military operation.
"The situation is bringing about numerous economic, social and inter-ethnical issues. First of all it concerns the organization of legitimate power, not an interim power but a constitutional one. Within a short term it is necessary to hold elections. After the elections a program on stabilization and settlement of interior conflict must be implemented. This implies relations between the north and the south, Tuaregs and settled population. These measures must be taken in close interaction with the international community."
According to the Russian ambassador the authorities of Mali are aware of the need for a dialogue and compromise agreements and they are already holding preliminary meetings.
.jpg/250px-ElbeDay1945_(NARA_ww2-121).jpg)
