Algeria sees political solution for Mali crisis

Algeria is positive that a political solution for the crisis in Mali could be reached soon, Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci said.  "Looking closely at the situation in Mali in recent weeks, we believe that we have great chances of a political solution to the crisis," Medelci said during a press conference with fellow Arab Maghreb Union foreign ministers.  Foreign Ministers of the Arab Maghreb Union have discussed a number of important issues during their meeting in Algiers, including the situation in Sahel region, especially in northern Mali, he added.  Islamist militants took control of the north of the country, following a military coup in March. The Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, kidnapped seven Algerian diplomats, including the consul of the northeastern Malian city of Gao, in April.  Speaking on border coordination between Algeria and Libya, Medelci said that both countries are willing to cooperate in securing the borders, noting that this will be put into effect.  He also praised Libya's national congress elections as the country's first elections in nearly five decades.