Turkey welcomes the adoption on 29 January 2013 by the National Assembly of Mali of the Roadmap which aims to establish the country's territorial integrity and the holding of free and transparent elections, and in this context also, includes elements towards achieving a national consensus.

This Roadmap is an important step in the direction of the establishment of a lasting and comprehensive peace and stability in the country, at a time when Mali is going through difficult days.

Also compatible with the decisions taken by the UN Security Council, the Roadmap is a positive sign towards the international community which expressed its intention and determination to help Mali during the donors conference held in Addis Ababa on 29 January 2013.

We hope that concrete steps will be taken to end as soon as possible the alarming incidents threatening the territorial integrity, independence and national unity of Mali and to initiate efforts aimed at ensuring the peace of the people of Mali and the development of the country.

As a strategic partner of Africa, Turkey will continue to support the efforts carried out with the support of the international community under the leadership of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States in order to bring to an end as soon as possible the sufferings endured by the brotherly people of Mali.