Abdelkader Messahel in Niamey (Niger) for Sahel core countries meeting.

The meeting will examine the current security situation in the region, especially the fight against terrorism and cross-border organized crime, following the meetings of the Joint Fusion and Liaison Unit (UFL) and the Joint Military Staff Committee, the statement said.
 
The situation in Mali and the recent developments there will be also among the main items on the meeting’s agenda, the source added.

Saad Eddine El Otmani reiterated yesterday the refusal of  Morocco to engage violent military action in northern Mali. "The kingdom is opposed to any military intervention in northern Mali, the government believes that a political solution is still possible," said the Kingdom's chief diplomat, quoted by the  website Spanish Pure Player.

For once  it seems Algeria and Morocco are agreed on an issue.Algeria was horrified by the instability brought on by the fall of Gaddafi and the subsequent threat to Algeria's southern borders that would ensue from an African conflict or military action  against Al Qaeda in northern Mali.

The situation has worsened because of the influx of refugees into southern Algeria from northern Mali. Niger recently expressed frustration at Algeria's stance saying it was the natural leader for any military action in the region. The proposed Ecowas force of 3,000 is unlikely to be able to tackle the north of Mali. France and others have been talking about an African military effort to deal with Northen Mali but this would have to include forces from Mali's Sahel forces. Algeria's position is frustrating a number of parties.

Negotiations with the Tuareg to ensure their rights in a rejuvenated Mali offers hope for a successful end to the conflict, dealing with Al Qaeda is another matter. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is based in Algeria.