The crisis in Mali, where France recently launched a military operation in support of government forces against Islamic rebels, will be the topic of an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign ministers this week, as per a decision by High Representative Catherine Ashton, who underscored that consideration will be given to efforts such as the prompt use of the EUTM mission for the training of local military personnel, and financial and logistical assistance to the AFISMA mission and others aimed at assisting the government of Mali in confronting the current crisis. The announcement was made by Ashton as she chaired a meeting of the “crisis platform” on Mali and while French foreign minister Laurent Fabius briefed her on the situation by telephone.
Promoting an EU military training mission in Mali
Fabius also held bilateral telephone meetings with European and African partners, including Minister Giulio Terzi who conveyed the Italian government’s line of thinking, which is strongly shared at European level and has been a topic of discussion among European foreign ministers in all recent meetings since the September GYNMICH. Shared goals include promoting the stability of Mali, resisting the radicalization of terrorist movements and fostering an EU commitment. On this latter point, Italy has never ceased to be active in promoting an EU military training mission in Mali.
