The National Committee for the Recovery of Democracy and the Restoration of the State (CNRDRE, junta) on Thursday called on Malian people to resist invasion of rebel groups and other extremist assailants.

The junta, which overthrew the Malian government on March 22, "expresses solidarity with the Malian people sequestered on Malian territory invaded by rebel groups and other extremist assailants," according to its signed statement from CNRDRE spokesman Lieutenant Amadou Konare.

The junta urged people to resist and pledged the state would do everything possible as soon as possible to ensure their safety, according to the statement.

Furthermore, the junta expressed its deep concern at the kidnapping on Thursday of Algerian diplomats in Gao, and strongly condemned such act which endangers human life and the excellent relations between Mali and Algeria.