European Union foreign ministers on Monday approved moves to "urgently" plan for a possible military mission to help Mali reconquer its vast arid north from rebels and Islamist extremists.

Gathered in Luxembourg, a statement from 27 EU ministers said the bloc "is determined to back Mali in re-establishing the rule of law and a democratic and fully sovereign government across its entire territory".

A two-page document calls for "planning work on a potential military mission ... to be pursued and deepened urgently". 

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-european-union-has-agreed-to-reconquer-northern-mali-from-islamic-rebels-2012-10#ixzz29PMlT2a2