Mali takes good step with elections, Kerry says

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Mali took an important step forward with its post-conflict recovery through weekend legislative elections.

"Mali has taken an important step forward by holding the first round of legislative elections," he said in a statement Monday. "These elections speak volumes about the resilience of Mali's democratic tradition and the progress it has made over the past two years."

Malians voted last weekend. Presidential elections were held in August and were the first since a coup in 2012.

Mali in January called in support from former colonial power France to help fight off al-Qaida and nomadic rebels who took control over northern Mali following the coup. Two French journalists were killed in north Mali in November for what al-Qaida said was retribution for the French intervention.

"Mali's new government must address the country's most pressing challenges, including national reconciliation and security sector reform to ensure strong security institutions under civilian control and oversight," Kerry said.

The European Union said it has more than 75 observers deployed in Mali to observe the elections. It said the weekend vote was in line with national election laws.

A second round of voting is set for Dec. 15.