UN chief urges Mali gov’t to announce ‘acceptable’ vote timetable

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, appealed to the military Junta in Mali to announce an acceptable timetable for elections.

Guterres reacted to the Junta’s suggestion that they would remain in power for five years before holding a scrutiny.

Mr Guterres said he is working with the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, and the African Union to create conditions that could allow Mali to adopt a reasonable position for a quick transition.

He said he also hoped to speak soon with the Malian government.

ECOWAS has imposed tough sanctions on Mali after the military government announced a long delay to the elections originally planned for February.