国内英语新闻:China welcomes progress in Mali's constitutional crisis

BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- China said on Monday that it welcomes the positive progress made in the settlement of Mali's constitutional crisis and appreciates the mediating efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on the situation in the west African nation.

According to media reports, Mali's junta, which seized power on March 22, signed a framework agreement with ECOWAS on Friday stating that it would transfer power to the president of the National Assembly during the transitional period, in return for the lifting of sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.

Liu hopes that relevant parties in Mali will implement the framework agreement with ECOWAS as soon as possible, restore the constitutional order and safeguard national unity and stability.

Liu said China is very concerned with the situation in northern Mali and believes that Mali's sovereignty and territorial integrity should not be violated.

The Tuareg rebels proclaimed independence for "Azawad" in northern Mali on Friday, after the country was divided into the rebel-controlled north and junta-controlled south following an unexpected military coup last month.

Liu called on related parties in Mali to proceed from the fundamental interests of the nation and its people, to properly solve the political divergences through dialogue and negotiations, and safeguard its national stability and unity.

"The peace and stability of Mali is of great significance to the west African region and the African continent," said Liu, calling for more international attention to the situation, and enhanced support for the settlement of the crisis in Mali.