The United Nations Security Council has called for free and fair elections in Mali in the wake of a military takeover of the government.

The majority of the 15-member council said that the military leaders should not participate in the elections scheduled for February next year - while emphasizing the need to ensure they were free and credible.

This came as the UN's special envoy for Mali, EL-GHASSIM WANE, called for strong international support amid a weakening security and humanitarian situation in the country.

EL-GHASSIM WANE said the new president and prime minister of the transition had reassured international partners that they would respect the transitional calendar.