Algiers, Algeria, Rabi'II 27, 1436, February 16, 2015, SPA -- The U.N. representative to Mali expressed hope for the latest round of peace talks set to begin Monday between the warring factions in the country, AP reported. The talks which first began in Algiers in September are between Mali's government, a series of separatist rebel groups based in the north and government-allied militias and come fighting has re-ignited between the rival groups and in some cases even U.N. peacekeepers. "This meeting represents an historic chance for a lasting peace in Mali," said Mongi Hamdi, the head of the U.N. mission in Mali. "The international community and the parties involved are pushing for the immediate end to hostilities to create positive conditions for the talks." Hamdi said the recent fighting was a source of "serious worry" for all involved. -- SPA 20:37 LOCAL TIME 17:37 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w