AUSTRALIA may provide humanitarian support for Mali but will not send troops to defeat Islamist rebels in the African country, Defence Minister Stephen Smith says.
Mr Smith clarified Australia's stance after the intervention in Mali by a French military force, initially with air strikes and now with troops battling militants on the ground.
"Whether at some stage it becomes appropriate for us to provide some humanitarian assistance or disaster relief, time will tell," Mr Smith told Sky News o Thursday.
"And also whether at some stage in the future it becomes appropriate for us to make some form of contribution to the resourcing of the African Union mission, again time will tell."
Mr Smith said that could take the form of a financial contribution or some material assistance.
"Are we contemplating a military contribution per se to Mali? No, absolutely not," he said.
Islamist rebel forces linked to al-Qaeda have taken over about half the former French colony, and last week France intervened to support Malian government forces.
However, a UN-mandated, 3300-strong West African intervention force has yet to deploy.
Foreign Minister Bob Carr said on Wednesday Australia would consider providing some assistance once the French action had achieved its purpose in providing stability and security.
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