Kerry Says Legislative Elections Mark "Important Step Forward" in Mali

Presidential election was held in August

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Mali took an important step forward with its post-conflict recovery through weekend legislative elections.

"Mali has taken an important step forward by holding the first round of legislative elections," he said in a statement Monday. "These elections speak volumes about the resilience of Mali's democratic tradition and the progress it has made over the past two years."