It has called on the West African regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), to speed up the planned deployment of a force of more than 3, 000.

BBC: Mali conflict: French troops 'seize' Diabaly, Douentza

The World Heritage Committee also recognized efforts already undertaken to help Mali safeguard its heritage, notably the sending of a mission in May by Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, and the efforts fo the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the countries of the region to help the people of Mali resolve the crisis.

UNESCO: OFFICE IN BRASILIA

It is Africa's second-biggest economy, after South Africa, and the leader of the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accounting for roughly half of its GDP.

ECONOMIST: Nigeria

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is overseeing the peacekeeping mission, has said in the past that troops will only go in if there is a ceasefire.

ECONOMIST: The Nigerians arrive; will Taylor go? | The

Supporters of Mali's coup leader named him to head a new interim government in defiance of a deal brokered by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional body that has been trying to mediate.

ECONOMIST: Politics this week

However, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has tried to broker a return to civilian rule after the March 22 coup, decided to let Traore remain in charge for a year to oversee a transition back to democracy.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The French were the most bullish in supporting military intervention by ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), but the scale of the task was recognized as enormous.

CNN: France vows to halt jihadist charge in Mali

Members of ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, pledged thousands of troops, and the Security Council has urged other nations to contribute forces as well.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Diplomats expect some 3, 300 troops from seven or eight countries belonging to the regional grouping known as ECOWAS (the Economic Community Of West African States) to arrive in Mali over the next week or so.

CNN: Six reasons events in Mali matter