MOSCOW, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Russia's presence in Mali will continue and is based on requests from the country's current authorities, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.

Russia will keep up the fight against extremism, terrorism, and other negative manifestations, including in Mali, Peskov said, adding that it will continue to assist the current government.

He made the remarks in response to statements by a representative of the Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg separatist group, who said the rebels aim to force Russia to withdraw from Mali. ■