CD CONCERNS COUP IN MALI

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia /MONTSAME/ The Governing Council of the Community of Democracies (CD) expresses its serious concern over the reported military coup d'etat in Mali, through a statement released on March 22, 2012. Mali has had a long and strong commitment to democracy and served as a past President of the CD and as a role model for Africa. Recent events in the country run contrary to that proud tradition and undermine Mali's place among the broader community of nations that are committed to principle of accountable governance. "We express our support for and solidarity with the people and the democratically elected government of Mali, and demand the immediate restoration of democratic rule," the statement says. The CD has begun the process to suspend Mali's membership in the Governing Council until such time that the constitutional order in the country is restored. B.Khuder