BERLIN: Germany's foreign minister yesterday ruled out sending German troops to fight militants in Mali and called for a political solution to the violence as French forces joined attacks on the rebels.
Guido Westerwelle said he welcomed "the fact that the Malian army, with the support of France and African states, has managed to stop the rebels' advance."
"It was right that France responded to the request for help from the Malian government (but) the deployment of German combat troops is not up for debate," added the minister in a statement.
French air power helped the Malian army to retake the central town of Konna from the militants on Friday and President Francois Hollande said Saturday that the rebels had suffered heavy losses, estimated at 100 of their fighters.
Germany urges political solution
