LOC09:51
06:51 GMT
WASHINGTON, Jan 27 (KUNA) -- US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called late
on Saturday his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian to discuss Washington's
support for French intervention in Mali.
"Following up on President Obama's call with French President Hollande
yesterday, Secretary Panetta today spoke to French Minister of Defense
Jean-Yves Le Drian to discuss US support for the international community's
efforts to deny terrorists a safe haven in Mali", said Pentagon Press
Secretary George Little in a statement.
"Secretary Panetta commended Minister Le Drian for France's strong
leadership in this effort and noted recent operational successes that have
helped turn back terrorist advances. Minister Le Drian thanked the United
States for ongoing information sharing, planning, and strategic lift that so
far has delivered hundreds of troops and hundreds of tons of supplies", he
added.
Little noted that Panetta informed Minister Le Drian that US Africa Command
will support the French military by conducting aerial refueling missions as
operations in Mali continue".
"The leaders also discussed plans for the United States to transport troops
from African nations, including Chad and Togo, to support the international
effort in Mali. Secretary Panetta and Minister Le Drian resolved to remain in
close contact as aggressive operations against terrorist networks in Mali are
ongoing", he concluded. (end)
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