Comment by the Russian MFA Press and Information Department on the launch of the EU Training Mission in Mali

Submitted on Wed, 04/03/2013 - 22:00

The Russian MFA has taken note of reports from Brussels concerning the launch by the EU of its Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) headquartered in Bamako to train the military of Mali with entire staff numbering 600 people and a mandate for 15 months. The Mission’s stated goal is to provide with training to the Malian army for conducting combat operations with a view to restoring government control over the whole country, as well as comprehensive support for Bamako in reforming its national security and defence system.

We regard the launch of the Mission, along with other efforts of the international community, as a useful contribution to establishing of an effective space of security in Mali in the post-conflict period. We expect that assistance of its partners, including the EU, will result in increased potential of Mali itself for normalisation of the situation in the country and ensuring a comprehensive inter-Malian political and national dialogue.

The Russian Federation, for its part, will continue fulfilling the role of active partner of the Republic of Mali as regards practical assistance in overcoming the protracted political and humanitarian crisis in the country.

4 April 2013