Mali: Canada extend its logistic support to France

First announced on Sunday 20 by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs Canada reported that Canada will indeed pursue its mission and carry African troops to Mali.

After much hesitation, Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, and John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, postponed to February 15, the end of the mission of the CC-177 Globemaster available in France in As part of its military intervention in Mali, which can be used to transport troops and equipment.

"Our government has a strong record of support for international efforts to combat terrorist activities, said Minister MacKay. This resource provides Canadian military to France an important strategic airlift capability that allows it to increase stability and security in the region. "

"Canada is committed partner in the fight against terrorism in all its forms, said Minister Baird. We are aware of the many challenges facing Mali and its neighbors at the moment, and we are willing to do our part for the people of the Sahel. "

Baird added that the Government was considering also using that could make Canada "in areas other than military."


Shortly before the official announcement, transport aircraft was released from their regular duties for the next three months, which was already an indication that the Conservative government considered extending its commitment.
However, Stephen Harper does not want the country to be more involved as it is now.

"I talk with my colleagues, and we consult with opposition parties, Harper said. I would like to get a consent which would extend across the country for the next steps. I think it is important to give our support to this mission. At the same time, we have been very clear on the idea that we are ready to provide assistance, but we do not want that Canada is directly involved in a military operation in Mali, "said the Prime Minister to a reporter's question during a press conference in Cambridge, Ontario.

Meanwhile, on the side of the opposition, the leader of the New Democratic Party, Thomas Mulcair, who had indicated he wanted a debate in Parliament on Canada's contribution to Mali, have received, reported the daily Le Devoir in its Delivery on Thursday 24 January, assurance that Harper Conservatives consult Parliament before taking other commitments and promises to entrust the matter to the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, the resumption of work next week where the New Democrats also want to discuss humanitarian aid to provide Malians.

While the Security Council of the United Nations adopted Resolution 2085, which requires all member states to provide assistance to Malian Defense Forces, but Prime Minister Harper has made it clear Wednesday, January 23 that Canadian participation efforts hunt for Islamists Mali was conditional on the support of Canadians and the opposition and that nothing will be announced until a consensus can not be done on this issue among politicians and the public.

Canada has sent one of its aircraft CC-177 and 35 Canadian Forces members to Mali on January 15. The aim of the operation was to support the French military intervention, but not directly involved. The mission, which lasted a week, was supposed to end on 24.

In an email, Jay Paxton, spokesman for Defense Minister said the aircraft made its sixth flight between France and Mali in the evening of 22.

In all, it is 128 tons of materials that have been transported so far.