We stand unequivocally for the territorial integrity and restoration of the constitutional order in Mali."[16] United States: Patrick Ventrell, a spokesman of the U.S. State Department stated: "We reject the MNLA's statement of independence and reiterate our call for the territorial integrity of Mali."[7] The State Department also later expressed concern that the separation would "only exacerbate the grave problems challenging the Malian state".[17]