Britain to help French military in battle to stop rebels in Mali
Britain is to transport foreign troops and equipment to Mali amid efforts to halt an advance by rebels.
The help was agreed in a phone call between David Cameron and President Francois Hollande, after France sent in forces to support the Malian government.
Downing Street stressed that no UK troops would engage in combat operations in the country, but two transport planes were expected to be deployed within 24 to 48 hours.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to President Hollande yesterday evening to discuss the deteriorating situation in Mali and how the UK can support French military assistance provided to the Malian Government to contain rebel and extremist groups in the north of the country.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
"The Prime Minister has agreed that the UK will provide logistical military assistance to help transport foreign troops and equipment quickly to Mali.
"We will not be deploying any British personnel in a combat role. They also agreed that the peacekeeping mission from West African countries needs to be strongly supported by countries in the region and deployed as quickly as possible.
"Both leaders agreed that the situation in Mali poses a real threat to international security, given terrorist activity there."
The Government's National Security Council is set to discuss the situation in Mali when it meets tomorrow.
Hundreds of French troops were deployed in Mali after state forces lost control of a strategically important town to Islamists.
The rebels seized a swathe of northern Mali last spring.
Comments