The UN Security Council on Friday called on Mali's transitional authorities to ensure the formation of a government of national unity in the West African country.

"The members of the Security Council welcomed the return to Bamako of the Interim President of Mali Dioncounda Traore. They encouraged the swift appointment of an inclusive government of national unity, the continuation of ongoing efforts to ensure the consolidation of the institutions of the Republic of Mali and the holding of elections as soon as possible," said a statement released here by French UN Ambassador Gerard Araud, who currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council.

In the statement, the 15-member Council also called on the transitional authorities of Mali to ensure the full restoration and preservation of the constitutional order, including effective civilian control over the security and armed forces.

The Council demanded that the members of the "National Council for the Recovery of Democracy and the Restoration of the State" ( CNRDRE), or the military junta that seized power through a March 22 coup, cease their continuous interference in the political process.

It also called on all members of the Malian armed forces to return to their barracks and to refrain from any interference in political matters or in the work of the transitional authorities.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated their grave concern about the insecurity and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Mali and in the Sahel region," said the statement. " They expressed concern over reported grave abuses of human rights throughout the country, in particular abuses against soldiers, their families, and journalists, as well as the recruitment of child soldiers."

According to the statement, the Security Council welcomed the ongoing strategic planning efforts and encouraged increased cooperation by the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) with the Malian transitional authorities, the Commission of the African Union, and countries in the region.

In addition, the Council strongly condemned the ongoing destruction of Mali's World Heritage sites, and reiterated its call on all parties to immediately take appropriate steps to ensure the protection of the sites.

In January, fighting between Malian government forces and Tuareg rebels resumed in northern Mali. According to the UN, the instability and insecurity resulting from the renewed clashes, as well as the proliferation of armed groups in the region and political instability in the wake of the March coup d'etat, have forced more than 253,000 Malians to flee to neighboring countries.

On July 5, the Security Council adopted a resolution demanding the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities by rebel groups in the north of the country.

On July 28, Traore, Mali's transitional president, returned to his country after undergoing medical treatment in France for two months.