Mali's government on Friday hailed UN Security Council approval for an African-led military force to reconquer the north from Islamist militants as a sign of international support for its "war against the terrorists".

"We are grateful to the international community. A consensus has been reached on the Malian situation," said an adviser to Mali's interim president, Dioncounda Traore.

"We are going to wage war against the terrorists and continue to negotiate with our brothers who are ready for dialogue," he added.