European Union leaders gathered in Brussels on Friday were expected to threaten sanctions against anyone involved with insurgent groups in northern Mali, dpa reported.
"The EU will maintain the option to adopt targeted restrictive measures against those involved in the armed groups in northern Mali and those hindering the return to constitutional order," read a draft text that EU leaders are expected to approve.
They were also due to offer to help Bamako restore the rule of law throughout Mali, pledging to "speed up planning of a possible (EU) military operation to help reorganize and train the Malian defence forces."