French say military intervention in Mali as possible in first half 2013
The military intervention of the African force to oust Islamist rebels in northern Mali will take place in the first half of 2013, said French Minister of Defence in an interview with the daily La Croix published Monday.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/French-say-mili...
The Security Council of the UN on Thursday passed a unanimous resolution authorizing the deployment of an African peacekeeping force for an initial period of one year to regain control of the north of Mali in April fell into the hands of Islamists and Tuareg rebels .
The African force, which will take the name Afisma should count to 3,300 men and help Malian government forces to retake the northern areas of the country.
"Military intervention can take place in the first half of next year," said Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister of Defence, writing in the columns of the Catholic daily, saying that "for the moment, there is no political solution" to Mali.
"France is providing technical support to ECOWAS (Economic Community of the States of West Africa) in the creation of a force capable of helping Mali to meet its entire territory. Operating concept is in the process of refining, "he says.
A European contingent of 400 troops will be formed at the beginning of next year before being sent to Mali to "train the Malian army and preparing to go to that country's sovereignty over the whole territory," according to the article, saying that the military would not participate in combat operations.
The Nigerian Islamist group Ansaru claimed on Sunday to have abducted a French engineer captured in northern Nigeria, explaining its action as a reaction against France's support for military intervention in northern Mali .
For the nine French hostages held on African soil, Jean-Yves Drian denounces the "infernal logic that we can not let it evolve as well."
"We deal very closely on the hostages and make every effort to secure their release. But that does not prevent us from considering the issue of the integrity of Mali is essential for the security of this country, like that of France and Europe, "he said.
The African force, which will take the name Afisma should count to 3,300 men and help Malian government forces to retake the northern areas of the country.
"Military intervention can take place in the first half of next year," said Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister of Defence, writing in the columns of the Catholic daily, saying that "for the moment, there is no political solution" to Mali.
"France is providing technical support to ECOWAS (Economic Community of the States of West Africa) in the creation of a force capable of helping Mali to meet its entire territory. Operating concept is in the process of refining, "he says.
A European contingent of 400 troops will be formed at the beginning of next year before being sent to Mali to "train the Malian army and preparing to go to that country's sovereignty over the whole territory," according to the article, saying that the military would not participate in combat operations.
The Nigerian Islamist group Ansaru claimed on Sunday to have abducted a French engineer captured in northern Nigeria, explaining its action as a reaction against France's support for military intervention in northern Mali .
For the nine French hostages held on African soil, Jean-Yves Drian denounces the "infernal logic that we can not let it evolve as well."
"We deal very closely on the hostages and make every effort to secure their release. But that does not prevent us from considering the issue of the integrity of Mali is essential for the security of this country, like that of France and Europe, "he said.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/French-say-mili...