EU convenes extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council on Mali - 17 January 2013

16/1/2013 EU source: Council - Ref: CL13-001EN

Summary: 16 January 2013, Brussels - In the light of recent developments in Mali, an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council has been convened for 17 January in Brussels.

Ministers will meet from 12.00 onwards on 17 January, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. Ministers will have an exchange of views with Tieman Hubert Coulibaly, Foreign Minister of Mali, and then continue their discussions over lunch (from 13.15). 

The Council is expected to welcome the efforts of the international community and in particular the rapid response of the France to the military offensive led by terrorist groups. It will take stock of possible EU actions in support of Mali. It is expected to adopt a decision establishing the EU training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali). In addition, the Council is likely to demand a speeding up of preparations for the deployment of the mission. 

EUTM Mali is intended to help restore the military capacity of the Malian Armed Forces in order to allow, under civilian authority, the restoration of the country's territorial integrity. It will provide basic military training as well as train and advise the Malian forces on command and control, logistics, human resources as well as on international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and human rights. The mission will not be involved in combat operations. 

Its headquarters is due to be in Bamako while training is to take place in a dedicated location in southern Mali. Initially, the mission's mandate is to last 15 months. It is planned to deploy around 200 instructors, as well as mission support staff and a force protection, making for a total of around 450 staff. The common costs of the operation are estimated at €12.3 million for the duration of the mandate. 

In addition, the EU has expressed its willingness to provide financial support for the deployment of African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) through the African Peace Facility.

For more details, download factsheet European Union and the Sahel.

A press conference will be held at the end of the meeting (+/- 15.00).

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