The United States applauds the agreement reached in Algiers on July 24 establishing a road map for talks between northern groups and the Government of Mali. We commend the Governments of Algeria, France, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad; the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA); the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); the African Union; the European Union for their efforts in facilitating this agreement.

The United States looks forward to the next steps in the inclusive inter-Malian dialogue outlined in the roadmap agreement, underscoring the need to end hostilities in northern Mali through a negotiated, inclusive political process.