OTTAWA, Canada, August 14, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:
“Canada welcomes the conclusion of the presidential elections in Mali, and applauds the peaceful way in which they were conducted. Canada was proud to support a monitoring mission to observe these elections.
“Mali has made much progress since the March 2012 coup d'état and the substantial security challenges that followed. Holding peaceful elections demonstrates that the Malian people are committed to democratic values.
“As a matter of course, Canada will review all aspects of its relationship with the Government of Mali.
“Canada stands with the people of Mali as they move forward to strengthen democratic governance, the rule of law and the protections of human right for all Malians.”