The Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has stated that his country is considering what it can do to contribute to the ongoing efforts to fight Islamist terrorists in Mali.
Prime Minister Harper said this in a joint Press Conference with his French counterpart Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault in the latter visit to Canada.
But Prime Minister Stephen Harper further stated that Canada was not interested in a combat role as many may be expecting.
“We are not looking to have a combat, military mission there, we will certainly be providing development and humanitarian assistance to the French forces, Prime Minister Harper stated.
He further added that Canada is considering on a continuation of a loan of a C-17 military cargo plane to the French military operations as long as the French military is in need of it.
France last month officially asked the United Nations to take over the combat operation and make it a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
The United Nations has not yet commented on the request by France but inside anonymous source from the world governing body suggests that there could be a potential vote next month in the Security Council to determine the takeover request by France.
The French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on his part showed France’s appreciation to Canada’s support to the French forces in Mali and admonished Canada to continue to help in fighting terrorism since it is a threat to global peace.
“The C-17 plane that you lent the French forces allowed us to move troops quickly as well as provide good logistical support in very favorable conditions and to provide support to other countries too, PM Ayrault said.
The C-17 cargo plane first flew in the Mali operation on 15 January; Canada’s government extended the mission last month until mid-March.
France intervened in Mali in January amid fears the militants were preparing to advance to the capital and are now fighting in a joint combat operation with Africa Union troops.
Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa News
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