Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                Regional Defense Chiefs to Meet Over Mali Crisis

   by Peter Clottey

   West African defense chiefs plan to meet in Mali's capital, Bamako,
   Tuesday as part of a regional effort to re-take parts of northern Mali
   now controlled by Islamist militants.
   "It is intended to enable the region [to] take a decision on the basis
   of the evolving situation in Mali," said ECOWAS Communications director
   Sonny Ugoh.  "
   He said the defense chiefs what needs to be done "to ensure that the
   regional troops that are going to Mali to support the Malian armed
   forces to defend the territorial integrity of the country, are in good
   shape.
   Ugoh says the meeting was scheduled in Bamako so the defense chiefs can
   get a better feel for the ongoing conflict in northern Mali.
   "This is just to give a sense of solidarity with their colleagues from
   Mali and to be on the ground to have a sense of feel of what is going