Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the SG on the Situation in Northern Mali

New York, 1 July 2012 - The Secretary-General is concerned by the worsening security and humanitarian situation in Northern Mali and by reports thatthe mausoleums of Sidi Mahmoud, Sidi Moctar and Alpha Moya in the ancient city of Timbuktu have been destroyed. Such attacks against cultural heritage sites are totally unjustified. The Secretary-General calls on all parties to exercise their responsibility to preserve the cultural heritage of Mali. The Secretary-General reiterates his support for the ongoing efforts of ECOWAS, the African Union and countries in the region to help the Government and people of Mali resolve the current crisis through dialogue.