Tunisian President demands end to Mali war

Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki has urged his French counterpart to end the country’s ongoing military intervention in northern Mali, as both presidents met in Strasbourg to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. Speaking in a press statement, French President Francois Hollande revealed he had had talks with Marzouki, celebrating his "effort and determination to achieve success of the process leading to the next election." President Marzouki meanwhile demanded an end to the military intervention in Mali, calling on Malian authorities to launch “a process of reconciliation and election.” Francois Hollande warned of a “risk of terrorist contagion” across the region following an Islamist insurgency in northern Mali. “Tunisia, home of the Arab Spring,” he said, “remains an example to follow.” President Marzouki underlined Tunisia's commitment to achieving democratic transition, despite various “socio-economic hardships” now facing the country.