Bamako, 14 May 2015 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSMA, Mr. Mongi Hamdi, has said he feels encouraged by the initialling of the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement by the Coordination des Mouvements de l’Azawad (CMA) in Algiers today.

"This confirms my optimism about the peace process, which will enter into a decisive phase with the signing of the Peace Agreement tomorrow. I call upon all stakeholders in this process to continue their efforts to demonstrate to all the people of Mali and to the international community their willingness to be part of the logic of peace," said Mr. Mongi Hamdi.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to complete the signing of the Agreement and it is the responsibility of all actors present on the ground to live up to their commitments," the Special Representative added.

"MINUSMA, the international community and all friends of Mali are present to support the Malian parties in the peace process and to ensure its success in establishing a just, credible and lasting peace. The people of Mali and the international community expect strong action from the parties engaged in the peace process. It is up to them to translate their promise of peace into tangible actions on the ground for the benefit of all the people of Mali, throughout the Malian territory, "concluded Mr. Hamdi.