Mali: French intervention in accordance with international law (Moscow)

Operations of the French forces in Mali are consistent with international law, said Monday in New York Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin at the UN.

"The actions taken by the French (...) fall under resolution 2085 and are consistent with international law, the use of military force was enacted at the request of the Malian government," said the Russian diplomat Eve closed consultations of the Security Council on the situation in Mali.

Friday, January 11, France has blocked the progression of Islamist armed groups who control nine months northern Mali, towards the center of the country torn by civil war. The same day, the Malian authorities have declared a state of emergency in the country. Sunday, the French Air Force bombed strongholds of Islamic cities of Gao and Kidal.

Paris said that the task of France is "to prepare the deployment of an African intervention force to enable Mali to recover its territorial integrity in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council" of the UN.