WASHINGTON, July 12 (UPI) -- Washington is "deeply concerned" about the ongoing security situation in Mali as militant groups wage war against cultural identity, a U.S. official said.
Victoria Nuland, a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, said the U.S. government was "outraged" that Islamic militants, including al-Qaida affiliates, continued their campaign of destroying historic mosques in Timbuktu.
"This is an assault not just on Mali but on the heritage of all Africans, and those responsible for these acts should be brought to justice," she said in a statement. "We remain deeply concerned about the situation of the Malian people."
Members of the Economic Community of West African States met in Burkina Faso last weekend to discuss the security situation in Mali. Rebels in the north of the country declared autonomy for their region in the aftermath of a military coup early this year.
ECOWAS, in a statement, called on political and civil leaders in Mali to make proposals to interim President Dioncounda Traore for the formation of a unity government before the end of the month.
The African bloc added the territorial integrity of Mali "and the secularity of the state and religious freedom are non-negotiable."
