President of Mali to attend meeting with EU Chief

The interim President of Mali Dioncounda Traore is en route to Europe this evening for a bi-lateral meeting with EU Foreign and Security Chief, Catherine Ashton.

The interim President of Mali Dioncounda Traore is en route to Europe this evening for a bi-lateral meeting with EU Foreign and Security Chief, Catherine Ashton.

Baroness Ashton told the European Parliament this evening that the EU needs to 'accelerate its course of action' in Mali and 'take the lead' in managing the internal conflict there.

European politicians argued that the lack of a pan EU intervention force will result in France taking responsibility for the conflict alone.

Many politicians spoke at the European Parliament today about the need for solidarity amongst fellow states, particularly when a terrorism threat against the whole of Europe exists.

The worsening internal conflict in Mali has seen the French government send 750 troops on the ground since Friday and while the mission has been successful in pushing back extremist rebels away from the capital, Bamako, it is likely that greater control from groups linked to Al Qaeda will prove too much for the French force.

Other African states such as Niger, Togo, Burkino Faso and Senegal have agreed to bolster the French troops, but western states like the US or UK have agreed only to provide logistical support and intelligence as well as the use of aircraft but will not commit any combat troops.

UN reports into the human rights situation document the implementation of an extreme interpretation of Sharia Law where floggings, honour killings and stonings as well as amputations have been part of the plan for the Tuareg rebels who seized control there in March.

Such debate about a Europe intervention force will reignite a  contentious issue that countries, particularly Ireland may not wish to engage in.

Ireland sought and received guarantees that its traditional position on military neutrality would remain and any consideration towards a  common defense would require  unanimous decision of the European Council  all members states.

The guarantees also provide for Ireland alone to decide to participate in any permanent military structure or any military operation.

The Irish government which holds the Presidency at present will likely have to comment on a possible strategy whenthe Taoiseach addresses parlimane tomorrow.

http://www.newstalk.ie/president-of-mali-to-attend-meeting-with-eu-chief

parliament, EU, meeting, Catherine Ashton, Dioncounda Traore, president, Mali, France

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Shona Murray

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Newstalk reporter currently based in Brussels | Presenter, World In Motion, every Sunday 8am-9am