Officials see delay before northern Mali offensive

LONDON (AP) ? Western officials say a planned military push to reclaim northern Mali from al-Qaida-linked rebels is unlikely to begin before next year ? despite concerns about an escalating terrorist threat posed by the militants there.

Britain's special representative to the Sahel, Stephen O'Brien, said Tuesday that nations seeking to support Mali's government will spend several months working out what assistance the West African country requires. A U.N. Security Council resolution will be needed to authorize a military offensive, which would be African-led.

O'Brien says "That will all, around the turn of the year, start developing a very clear twin track approach ? on both the political and the possible military side."

Ex-Italian Premier Romano Prodi, U.N. special envoy to the Sahel, also indicated Tuesday that planning may take some time.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/officials-see-delay-northern-mali-offensive-144008211.html

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