Medecins du Monde suspends activities in north Mali

(BRUSSELS) - The charity group Medecins du Monde (Doctors of the World) decided Monday to suspend its activites in northern Mali due to fighting in the region that drew concerns from the European Union.

The organisation said in a statement it was temporarily halting nutrition and health services in northern Mali.

While it was still possible to bring material, medicine and food in some health centres, other sites occupied by nomadic populations were inaccessible, the group said.

Access is "more and more complicated in the Gao region" in the east and "critical in Kidal" in the northeast.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton voice "deep concern" following deadly clashes. She called on all sides in the conflict to cease hostilities and begin dialogue, offering to support such talks.

The Azawad National Liberation Movement (MNLA) and other Tuareg rebels seeking more autonomy launched a major offensive in northern Mali on January 17, sparking clashes that have killed dozens on both sides.