Mali's ex-PM calls for military action against northern rebels

Mali's ex-prime minister Zoumana Sako says dialogue should be held only after terrorists have been chased away from the West African country's northern part with the support of friendly nations. Sako, who served as the transitional prime minister between 1991 and 1992, is also the current chairman of the Alliance of Patriotic Democrats for Ending the Crisis (ADPS). "We must first of all chase away the terrorists and I do not see any other solution other than a military solution. "I do not see how we are going to enter into discussions with drug and human traffickers. Once the terrorist forces have been chased away, we shall be able to talk about dialogue," he said. Al-Qaida linked rebels and separatists took control of northern Mali in the aftermath of the March 22 military coup. The former premier made the comments after the UN Security Council authorized the West African bloc ECOWAS to submit a detailed plan for military intervention in weeks. Sako reiterated that the Malian army should play the leading role in military operations and that they should be supported by the forces from neighboring countries. On dialogue, the ex-prime minister said it must first involve northern communities before nationwide talks are held. Some issues are non-negotiable, he stressed. "The Malian state should remain united, republican, democratic and secular," he said, insisting that the country must be indivisible. While calling for protection of human resources in the north, he urged the protection of natural resources like water, gold, oil, gas and uranium.