Decisive meeting to determine the plan for military intervention in Mali

Sources from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said that Algeria will particpate with its military forces on the ground, in the expected military operation to restore the north of Mali.

Minister for Maghreb and African Affairs Abdelkader Messahel will represent President of the republic Abdelaziz Bouteflika at the ECOWAS summit. He is also carrying messages from President Bouteflika to Alassane Ouattara, President of Cote d’Ivoire and current chairman of ECOWAS, and to Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan on the crisis in Mali.

The meeting coincides with the statement made by the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) supporting dialogue to reach a political solution to the crisis shaking Mali and warning against any military intervention in northern Mali that “would set the region ablaze. “

Abuja summit will adopt a blueprint, under-discussion by minister of foreign affairs and defence since yesterday in a closed-door meeting in Abuja. Once approved by ECOWAS leaders, the blueprint will be transmitted through the African Union, before November 15, to the UN Security Council.