UN defers decision on Ecowas force to Mali

New York, 6 Jul – (ANA) - The UN Security Council has said it is not ready to back a West African intervention force in northern Mali, which has been seized by Islamist militant groups.

The council condemned the destruction of ancient shrines in the historic city of Timbuktu, saying it could constitute a war crime.

The West African bloc, Ecowas, wants to send 3,000 troops to Mali.

But a UN diplomat said that the council wanted more details. (ANA)

FA/ANA/6 July 2012---------