The UN Security Council on Wednesday called on all parties in north Mali to agree on a reconciliation roadmap to lasting peace and stability in the West African country.

"The members of the Security Council expressed their concern over the lack of progress on the peace talks" concerning the crisis in the north part of Mali, said a press statement issued by the 15-nation body after it was briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bert Koenders on the situation in the country.

During the briefing, Koenders told the Security Council that despite progress, the security situation in Mali's restive north remains "very fragile" with increased activity by terrorist groups.

In the statement, the Council "called upon the Malian government and the signatory and adherent armed groups ... to urgently agree on a roadmap for an inclusive and credible negotiation process open to all communities of the North of Mali, with the goal of securing a durable political resolution to the crisis and long-term peace and stability throughout the country."

Meanwhile, the Security Council members called on all regional and international actors to continue supporting the launching of such a negotiation process in Mali.

The Council also welcomed the Malian government's recent appointment of a high-level representative to participate in the negotiations.

In addition, the Council members noted that authorities have officially started the process of cantonment, which is "a practical step leading to an effective disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process in the context of a comprehensive peace settlement."

Mali is recovering from a crisis which started with a military coup in March 2012. Al-Qaida's branch in North Africa and other rebels swept through northern Mali in the aftermath of the coup before they were routed by French and African troops in January 2013.

The West African country is now in the process of restoring democracy with the help of the United Nations and African regional bodies, including the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. It has restored control of its northern part, but is grappling with a situation where rebels are capable of sporadic attacks. Endite

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