Mr. Ouologuem (Mali) said that Mali remained committed to the success of United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Ms. Diallo Sene (Mali) said that Mali had ratified the Convention in 1985 and had also ratified its Optional Protocol.

The rich world has promised to help Mali, and now Mali hasled the way with its creativity.

Mr. Keita (Mali) (spoke in French): Mali wishes to withdraw the candidacy of Mr. Cheick Traoré.

Mr. Ouane (Mali) (spoke in French): Mali attaches particular importance to the subject under consideration.

A new Mali — a democratic, united Mali — is on the march.

Through this new grant, desertification control and food security projects will be implemented in selected boundary areas of Algeria/Tunisia, Algeria/Mali, Senegal/Mauritania; Mali/Mauritania/Senegal, Mali/Burkina Faso/Niger, Niger/Burkina Faso; and a special project in Mauritania for water management and agricultural production.

(f) UNEP/-GEF project on mManaging hHydro geological rRisk in the Iullemeden Aquifer System, involveing three countries, namely, Mali, Niger and, Nigeria, Mali;

Mr. Ouane (Mali) (spoke in French): Mali is delighted to see the Council meeting under your authority, Mr. Minister, to consider the situation in the Great Lakes region.

Mr. Ouane (Mali) (spoke in French): Mali is happy to see the Security Council meet under your leadership during the month of October, Mr. President.