UN prepares to deploy peacekeeping force in Mali on July 1

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the UN is still preparing to deploy a new UN peacekeeping force in Mali as scheduled although the security situation in the north remains "complex and volatile."

In late April, the Security Council authorised a UN force comprising 11,200 military personnel and 1,440 international police to replace a 6,000-member African-led mission now in Mali on July 1. It said the date could be delayed if security conditions deteriorate.

In a report to the council circulated on Tuesday, Ban said major combat operations in the north have largely ceased but sporadic clashes between armed groups and attacks continue to be carried out.

The council is expected to make a final decision on deployment of the UN force at a meeting on June 25.