(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Algerian former foreign minister Lakhdar Brahimi praised on Wednesday his country's mediation role to reunite parties involved in Mali.
Brahimi made his remarks in a speech marking Algerian Diplomacy Day, at the Foreign Ministry headquarters, stressing that what has been taking place in this neighboring country matters to Algeria, also expressing content over efforts exerted by his country "in trying to help our brothers in Mali and solve their problems." The former UN Envoy also praised the role of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his determined efforts in order to reach a solution to the situation in Mali.
Brahimi added that international diplomacy "adapted to new situations, especially after the fall of the Berlin Wall," but he pointed out that an issue like terrorism needs to be "looked at closely." In this regard, Brahimi played down the feasibility of economic sanctions as a way to curb this phenomenon, pointing out that "sanctions of this kind, with the testimony of non-governmental organizations, have hurt a lot of people, like in Iraq." Brahimi noted in this context that the Iraqi people were the ones "affected by the economic blockade" in light of the increasing number of victims and displaced persons.
Renewed conflict in northern Mali between the Malian army and armed groups has led to new population displacements since May this year. Access to basic services remains interrupted due to the lack of progress in the negotiations between the various sides in the conflict.
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