Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said that it was "normal" for Mali to get global support in its fight against "terrorism", while urging talks with moderate rebels, AFP reported on Tuesday (December 11th).

Terrorism in northern Mali, which has been overrun by al-Qaeda linked Islamists, is a "global threat that has no nationality, region or religious affiliation", he said.

Algeria will "continue to work within its means to mobilise other countries in the region to provide the appropriate help in the struggle against this scourge", he added.