France expected UN Security Council to announce a decision that would endorse an African request to allow military operation to help restore stability in Mali, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said Tuesday.

"Things could quickly lead to a decision of the Security Council that would endorse a military operation of the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)," Valero said.

"The last episode is the statement of the Security Council that confirms discussions are progressing. The Security Council has yet asked ECOWAS and the African Union for some clarifications but obviously the process is underway, "said the spokesman.

The spokesman also reiterated that France would provide logistical support if necessary.

Former France's colony, Mali, was plunged into chaotic uprising after mid-ranking officers, led by army Captain Amadou Snogo, toppled Malian President Amadou Toumani on March 22 in protest of the government's failure to rein in the rebels who are seeking to create a separate homeland in the north.

On Friday, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported an estimated 320,000 people have been displaced in Mali, largely in part to the political instability the country has faced.France

The members of the Security Council are considering a request by ECOWAS, and the African Union to approve a deployment of a proposed ECOWAS Stabilization Force, to which the Council expressed "it's readiness to further examine the request -- once additional information has been provided."