France won't stay in Mali if price is too high -defence minister

FILE PHOTO: French Defence Minister Florence Parly speaks during a joint news conference with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell (not seen) in Brest, western France, January 13, 2022. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - European states combating Islamist militants in Mali will try to find a way to keep their mission going, but there are limits to the price that France is prepared to pay to remain there, French Defence Minister Florence Parly said on Saturday.

Relations between Mali's military junta and its international partners are close to breaking down after it failed to organise an election following two military coups.