United Nations, Sha'ban 20, 1435, Jun 18, 2014, SPA -- The time for peace talks in Mali is now, the U.N. peacekeeping chief told the Security Council Wednesday, underscoring the importance of a successful political process to the country’s stability and reversing the sharp deterioration in the security situation in the northern town of Kidal. “A successful political process is the cornerstone of this stability,” Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Herve Ladsous, told the 15-member council. “All aspects of the stabilization of Mali, including the restoration of state authority, the re-establishment of security and the protection of civilians, remain contingent on the successful conclusion of peace talks between the Malian Government and northern armed groups in the framework of the Ouagadougou Agreement,” Ladsous said. --SPA 20:30 LOCAL TIME 17:30 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w