UN refuses to back intervention force in Mali

The UN Security Council on Wednesday refused a request by the African Union to support an intervention force in Mali, where Tuareg rebels control the north of the country. The UN Council and the African Union's Peace and Security Council expressed deep concern over the presence of Al-Qaeda militants in the north of Mali. According to a statement released at the conclusion of talks between the two Councils, the Security Council took note of the African Union's calls for the intervention force in Mali. Diplomats said that a number of Security Council members raised questions about the force proposed by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. "We need to know more about the aims of the force, how it will carry these out and how it will be supported logistically and financially," UN Council diplomat said on condition of anonymity. Another diplomat spoke about reservations of some members of the Security Council, saying that they asked the African Union to provide more information. The Security Council is expected to hold new talks on the situation in Mali during the next few days. y