Iran welcomes African Union’s efforts to restore peace in Mali

TEHRAN, March 27 (MNA) - Iran has welcomed efforts by the African Union to help restore peace in Mali, where a coup was staged against the government on March 21. “Iran is following news and developments related to the coup in the country of Mali and has always called for the maintenance of territorial integrity, peace, and stability and respect for the rights of people and democracy in the country,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast said on Sunday. He stated, “The general policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to help maintain security in Africa and help settle internal disputes in countries in the continent of Africa by countries themselves through dialogue and peaceful negotiations and believes that any tension and instability in Africa will not only harm people but also will lead to the exploitation of the situation by foreign forces. “In line with this, the Islamic Republic of Iran supports efforts by the African Union to restore peace in the Republic of Mali.”