The European Union has launched negotiations for a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with Kosovo. The SAA is seen as a crucial treaty, preceding a country’s accession into the EU.

A high-ranking French military official says a major military offensive against local fighters in the north of Mali continues. French, Malian, and UN troops are involved in the operation, named Hydra, which is expected to last at least 10 days, according to French military spokesman Colonel Gilles Jaron. 

Leaders of the 15-nation west African bloc Ecowas met on Friday in Senegal to call for “urgent steps” from the international community to secure peace in Mali and discuss the creation of a single currency. While the economy was expected to top the agenda, the Economic Community of West African …