Mali voices unconditional support for Morocco's World Cup bid

Mali on Wednesday voiced unconditional backing for Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup finals. Malian officials assured a visiting Moroccan delegation that Morocco's bid is the bid of Africa as a whole and should be backed.

The Moroccan delegation led by Driss Benhima, deputy chairman of the national committee in charge of Morocco's candidacy, already visited Tunisia and Senegal part of a 15-african nation tour to sway support to the Moroccan bid to host the planetary competition.

Morocco is competing with South Africa, Germany, England and Brazil. FIFA will chose the host country next July.

In Bamako, Benhima handed President Alpha Omar Konare of Mali a message from King Mohammed VI.

Moudibou Keita, secretary general of the Malian presidency, told the Moroccan delegation that his country will be proud to see Morocco host the World Cup in recognition for its efforts to ensure the radiance of Africa.