Denmark may be preparing to help France in its operation to quash Islamic rebels in the West African state of Mali.

The Danish foreign ministry has announced an extraordinary meeting of the parliamentary Foreign Policy Committee later today which is expected to sanction sending a Hercules transport aircraft and aircraft support personnel to Mali.

“I can confirm that Denmark has offered to send logistical support to the French operatio in Mali. We are in dialogue with the Danes and expect a decision very quickly,” French Defence Ministry spokesperson Sacha Mande tells pol.dk.

A Danish foreign ministry source has confirmed that Denmark and France are discussing the issue.

What we can say is that here is a dialogue with the French about options,” the source says.

Monday’s move comes shortly after Foreign Minister Villy Søvndal issued a press release on Sunday saying that Denmark supported the French operation in Mali.

“In light of the latest developments, Denmark will look into other possible contributions to the international society’s handling of the current situation,” the release said.

“I am very concerned about the situation in Mali. In light of the risk of a further escalation, I fully support France’s attempt to secure stability in the region within the framework of the UN Security Council resolution 2085,” Søvndal added.

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