Czech government may help in EU training mission in Mali

The Czech government is considering equipping and training a Malian army battalion within a possible EU mission, Prime Minister Petr Nečas said on Wednesday, after the cabinet session. He added that Prague was primarily negotiating the possibility with France, which put boots on the ground in Mali after Islamist militants were said to be threatening the south of the country. Great Britain is to send 330 troops to help. Sending Czech military instructors would require the consent of not only of the Czech government but also of Parliament. Prague is considering not only providing military expertise and equipment but has made clear it will send an additional three million crowns to Mali in humanitarian aid.