Mali: Belgian military engagement approved by the House

Commissions met Foreign Affairs and Defence of the House on Wednesday passed unanimously, the Greens and the VB abstaining, a draft resolution by which members expressed their "support" the decision of the Ministerial Committee restricted to logistics available to France, engaged in the operation "Serval" to repel the advance of armed Islamist groups in Mali. This resolution will be submitted Thursday to the plenary vote.

Noting the adoption of resolutions by the Security Council of the United Nations, the parliamentarians were of the opinion that "the conditions for military action

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against terrorists and their abuses in Mali are met." They demand that the federal government is actively involved in the implementation of these resolutions.

MEPs also call for the government to "provide information to Parliament" and associate without delay "if circumstances were to change the nature and duration of the commitment of Belgium."

The resolution also mentions the need to consider a "humanitarian dimension" and give full attention to the "political process" led by the United Nations in Mali. The decision Tuesday by the Select Committee be confirmed Friday by the Cabinet. Belgian Defense offers to France two transport aircraft C-130 "Hercules" and two medical helicopters Agusta A109.

Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo pledged Tuesday that the government would conduct an assessment of the mission "ahead of schedule" on March 1. Environmentalists have tried in vain to get the House must approve any extension.

One of the two C-130 provided by Belgium made a stop in Corsica where he took charge of a French cargo. It is expected in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Wednesday night at 22:10, Brussels time, said Defence Minister Pieter De Crem. The other C-130, which was in Chad, has arrived in Abidjan.

Airbus A330 which left Belgium on Wednesday morning with equipment and men to make operational C-130 is also expected to Abidjan at 22:10. "Everything will be on site within 24 hours, waiting for the arrival of the helicopters," said the minister.