Foreign Minister Urmas Paet: European Union Must Help Prevent Loss of Human Life and Cultural Property in Mali

25.07.2012

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the European Union must help to protect human lives and cultural property in Mali and reduce tensions in relations between Sudan and South Sudan.

The distressing situation in Mali and the conflict between Sudan and South Sudan demand increased attention from the European Union and more effective continued support, Foreign Minister Paet said at the meeting of the European Union foreign ministers in Brussels.

In addition to political instability in Mali, other growing problems are internally displaced persons, famine, and the destruction of cultural property, Paet explained. “Estonia supports the unity and territorial integrity of the country of Mali and shares the international community’s concern over the situation, which endangers the stability of Mali and the entire Sahel region,” he stated.

“We condemn all violence against civilians and call for finding a peaceful resolution, relying on the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States to restore constitutional order,” the foreign minister said. He also stated that it is up to Mali to resolve the crisis but the support of the region and the international community still plays an important role.

When talking about the conflict between Sudan and South Sudan, Paet noted that the European Union should, if necessary, support the African Union in its leading role in mediating international dialogue to find a political solution. “Both parties should be engaged; the two sides should not be put in confrontation but active dialogue between the two should be facilitated,” he emphasised.

The Estonian foreign minister feels that the international community should continue providing humanitarian aid in crisis regions and that humanitarian aid organisations should be guaranteed the necessary access to these regions.

Additional information:
Helen Ennok, press spokesperson, Estonia’s Permanent Representation to the EU
+32 474 98 16 57