The Netherlands backs French action in Mali
Monday 14 January 2013
The Netherlands backs the French intervention in Mali, saying it is necessary to halt the increase in Islam-based terrorism in the African country.
Foreign minister Frans Timmermans has telephoned the French government to pass on this support. 'France's action is urgently needed to stop the fast rise in Islamic terrorism in Mali,' the foreign ministry said in a statement. 'Mali's own army was not in a position to do this.'
France has been in action in Mali at the request of the government there since Friday and has called a meeting of the UN Security Council on Mali for Monday.
Timmermans said the Netherlands has build up considerable expertise on Mali through development projects and that aid minister Lilian Ploumen is prepared to look into how the Netherlands can help to ensure a durable peace in the region.
A Dutchman was one of a group of three tourists kidnapped by militants in Mali in December 2011. He is still missing.
© DutchNews.nl
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Maybe the French should be more worried about extremism in their own country. Hundreds of thousands creeps walking the streets of Paris to protest against gay marriage.
By pepe | 14 January 2013 11:06 AM@ pepe. I'm not religious but I have several friends who attend church regularly, both catholic & reformed. All are opposed to this type of legislation, based on their religious convictions.
By Donaugh | 14 January 2013 5:27 PMExpressing an opinion , which I guess you disagree with, does not make them creeps.
Perhaps you should choose your words more carefully.