Cameron pledges support for France

British Prime Minister David Cameron has assured French president Francois Hollande that Britain is "keen" to help Paris with its military operation to oust Islamist militants in northern Mali, Downing Street said Monday. Cameron and Hollande used a phone call last night to discuss the situation in the north African state, where French and Malian troops were today reported to be securing the key city of Timbuktu as rebels fled into the desert. The Royal Air Force has already provided two heavy-lift C17 transport planes and a Sentinel surveillance aircraft to assist France's operation, and National Security Adviser Sir Kim Darroch was today in Paris to discuss what further help may be offered. Cameron has said the UK is ready to offer logistical, intelligence and surveillance help to France, as well as troops for a proposed EU mission to train the Malian army - although he has ruled out a combat role for British personnel. Outlining last night's phone call, the PM's official spokesman told reporters: "The French president gave an update on the progress that French and Malian forces have been making and also thanked the Prime Minister for the UK transport assistance. "The Prime Minister made clear that we fully support the French government's actions, working with the Malian government at their request, to deny terrorists a safe haven in Mali. "The Prime Minister went on to explain that we are keen to continue to provide further assistance where we can, and depending on what French requirements there may be. "The UK National Security Adviser is in Paris today for discussions with French authorities on what further assistance we may be able to provide to them with regard to Mali." The PM's spokesman stressed that there had been no change in Cameron's position that UK troops will not be put into a combat role in Mali. Cameron and Hollande also discussed the situation in Syria, reaffirming their commitment to work together with other international partners towards a political transition in the country, said the spokesman. He added: "They agreed to support moderate opposition and welcomed the ongoing work in Brussels to explore all options to help the opposition and to enable greater protection for civilians, including looking at the arms embargo.