Mali: AU voices concern

Members of the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Saturday warned the Islamists, including al-Qaida, are intent on creating a new sanctuary for their activities. AU Chairman Jean Ping called the situation one of the 'most serious crises to confront the continent'. And AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramtane Lamamra said 'the strengthening of the grip of armed terrorist and criminal groups in the area' also poses a serious threat to international peace.