A resolution adopted by the UN Security Council paves the way for military intervention in Mali's north, where Islamist rebels have taken control of the area after overthrowing the president in March.
The resolution urges "detailed and actionable recommendations" to be drawn up by African organisations to be presented to the Security Council within 45 days, and calls on UN member states to provide "co-ordinated assistance, expertise, training and capacity-building support" to Mali's armed forces.
Any military intervention on the ground would require a second resolution by the 15-member Council.