U.N. Security Council asks Mali to draw up plans to retake north

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/10/-united-nations-mali-france-military-action.html

The U.N. Security Council took a key step Friday toward approving military action by an African force in Mali, where religious extremists have capitalized on a rebellion by ethnic Tuaregs and political turmoil to seize much of the north.

The resolution does not give the green light for troops to enter the north. However, it gives Mali and its partners 45 days to come up with a detailed plan for the Security Council to approve. The resolution also demands a halt to human rights abuses and warns the Mali military not to meddle in the affairs of its interim government.