Mali: Tuareg Rebels Proclaim the Independence of the North

"We solemnly proclaim the independence of Azawad from that day," said Mossa Ag Attaher, who has indicated a desire to meet "the borders with neighboring states".

The spokesman condemned the kidnapping Thursday of the Consul of Algeria in Gao (Northeast) "by a terrorist commando" operation at a "very violent". Algiers has confirmed that a group of attackers "unidentified" and the consul had taken six of his associates "to an unknown destination". That "We have just completed a very important fight, his release (... ), "added Mr. Attaher Ag, in terms identical to that of the MNLA release signed by its secretary general Billal Achérif Ag.

The Azawad is a region considered the cradle of natural Touareg.

The coup against the regime of President Amadou Toumani Toure, two weeks ago, has plunged into chaos Mali: Tuareg rebels and Islamist groups have taken this past weekend the control of the three northern cities - Kidal , Gao and Timbuktu - without resistance from a Malian army underequipped, disorganized and in disarray, in fact cutting the country in two.

The Islamist Ansar Dine, led by Tuareg chief Iyad Ag Ghaly, and elements of al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have since then taken over the MNLA, which unilaterally announced late Thursday night its "military operations".

Thursday, Algerian diplomats were abducted in northern countries, when a lifting of sanctions imposed by the West Africa against the junta in power for two weeks is suggested.

It was at Gao, the Northeast, the Consulate of Algeria was occupied by armed Islamists who control the city have raised the flag and black Salafi "arrested Algerian diplomats", witnesses said.

Algiers has confirmed that a group of attackers "unidentified" and the consul took six of his associates "to an unknown destination".

The MNLA spokesman condemned the kidnapping "by a terrorist commando" during an operation he described as "very violent". The spokesman explained that the forces of MNLA had first wanted to "protect" the consulate in the circling, but had to withdraw during the attack on the commando who used explosives in order not to endanger the lives of diplomats.

For their part, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in West Africa met in Abidjan have developed a "mandate" for a force that can be sent to Mali, which remains to be validated by the heads of state in the region, has one official source.

"We proposed to the Committee of Heads of State of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African) a warrant for the commitment of the FCC (force waiting Ecowas). We expect a return the FCC to engage in Mali, "he told reporters General Soumaila Bakayoko, Chief of Staff of the Ivorian army, after a dozen hours behind closed doors.

Ecowas had earlier announced "the immediate establishment of this force waiting" between 2,000 and 3,000 men, which was not yet known if it is the coup leaders, Tuareg rebels in the north, or both.