Mali asks for Morocco's help

According to the Malian government, the purpose of Cheick Modibo Diarra's visit is to strengthen cooperation ties with Morocco. In Rabat, Cheikh Modibo Diarra will exchange views on relations between Morocco and Mali. This will  include "informed of the government's efforts in achieving the tasks assigned to the reconquest of occupied areas in northern Mali and the organization of free and transparent elections " the Malian gpvern:ent statement said.

Earlier on Thursday, MAP reported the arrival in Morocco of Mali's chief diplomat Sadio Lamine Sow on an official visit.

Morocco has  called for urgent intervention by islamic countries and the international community to help to ensure the protection of sufi shrines and  ancient mosques in Timbuktu. A fresh call for UN Security Council support for an Ecowas intervention force  in Mali which was supported by France has again been rejected. Morocco's position as a non permanent member of the Security Council makes it an important contact for Mali as its strives for a solution to the problem in Northern Mali and  the search for a government of national unity being proposed by Ecowas.In April Morocco send relief supplies to displaced Malians who had fled Northern Mali.