France says would give logistic aid for a Mali intervention
Mali's Prime Minister Cheikh Modibo Diarra (C) leaves after a meeting with France's foreign minister. By Martin Bureau (AFP)
PARIS (AFP) - France would provide logistical support for any military intervention in northern Mali, which was overrun by Islamist militants this year, Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Thursday.
He said the initiative for any such action would come from African states, saying "clearly, that is being developed". A west African regional grouping has been considering sending more than 3,000 troops into northern Mali.