AU condemns killing of French hostage

The African Union condemned on Tuesday the killing of a French hostage by an al-Qaeda linked gang in the Sahara desert, according to a statement issued here by AU Commission Chairman Jean Ping.

Jean Ping reaffirmed his concern over the resurgence of the scourge of terrorism in the Sahel-Sharan region and reiterated the legitimacy of anti-terrorist initiatives by the countries of the region with a view to strengthening the effectiveness of their individual and collective action.

He further reiterated the AU's strong condemnation of all forms of terrorism, and reaffirmed the imperative need for vigorous and sustained action to combat this scourge.

The al Qaeda's wing in north Africa said on Sunday it had killed the 78 year old hostage after months of captivity in revenge of a failed Mauritanian-French rescue raid last week in Mali.

Jean Ping again underscored the need for all African states, in partnership with the rest of the international community, to redouble efforts to cope with this threat, said the statement.

"In this regard, he recalled that the relevant AU instruments provide an appropriate framework for increased cooperation between member states," it said.

Source: Xinhua