(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was outraged by Tuesday's attack that took place in Mali and killed one Senegalese peacekeeper and wounded another.
This second attack in five days against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), unidentified assailants launched approximately six explosive rounds towards the Mission's camp in Kidal, Ban press office said in a statement Wednesday.
This attack brings the total number of casualties from hostile acts since July 1st 2013 to 31 peacekeepers killed and 91 others wounded.
On the eve of the Security Council's consideration of the situation in Mali, the Secretary General reminded all parties of their responsibility to prevent attacks against United Nations' peacekeepers, and underscored that a political solution is the only way to bring sustainable peace and stability to Mali.
Furthermore, he expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper as well as to the Government and people of Senegal and wishes a speedy recovery to the wounded.
On their part, the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the targeted attack against the MINUSMA camp.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences to the family of the peacekeeper killed, as well as to the Government and people of Senegal, and to MINUSMA, as it paid tribute to the Senegalese peacekeepers for their sacrifices and continued efforts.
The Council reiterated their full support to MINUSMA and French forces that support it, and called on the Government of Mali to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice and stressed that those responsible for the attack shall be held accountable.
The Security Council underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.
Moreover, the Council reminded the armed groups operating in northern Mali of their commitment to cooperate with the UN to prevent attacks against peacekeepers in line with the declaration they signed on September 16th, 2014 in Algiers.
The Security Council reiterated their support for MINUSMA to assist the Malian authorities and the Malian people in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to their country, as mandated by the Security Council in resolution 2164 of 2014.
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