TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is waiting for confirmation from the European Union about whether to send military advisers to Mali to assist the Union’s mission there.

Georgia told the EU in December it would contribute militarily to the fight against an Islamist insurgency in Mali, but Defense Minister Irakli Alasania said on Tuesday as he met with journalists that the decision is not yet final.

The minister explained that talks continue and he is waiting to see whether the EU will conclude that it needs a Georgian contribution.

Although planned since December, it is just a few weeks ago that government officials first informed the public about a Georgian contribution the Mali mission. It was underlined then that participation will be on the level of consultations and military experts and that Georgia would not send troops to Africa. However, no information is forthcoming yet about the number of personnel and when they will be dispatched.

Sixteen EU member states and Norway are currently part of the mission.