Inspecting the damage in Timbuktu - French President Francois Hollande visits a library holding priceless manuscripts, many torched by Islamist rebels as they fled the ancient town.<br/> <br />Hollande is in Mali for a one-day visit with key ministers to support French troops helping to fight Islamist rebels in the country.<br/> <br />Rebels destroyed up to 2,000 of some 300,000 priceless manuscripts held in the ancient city claiming they were against Islamic law.<br/> <br />Amid heavy security, Hollande was also given a tour of the city's ancient Grand Mosque, built of mud bricks and wooden beams.<br/> <br />The French military operation, which has 3,500 soldiers supporting Mali forces, has so far forced rebels to retreat from many key northern towns.<br/> <br />Hollande said France was supporting the Malian army and would continue to do so within the framework of the United Nations until Mali regained complete territorial integrity.<br/> <br />Earlier, Hollande was gifted a camel on his arrival at Timbuktu airport as a symbolic gesture of gratitude.<br/> <br />He joked he would use it as much as possible for his own transportation.<br/> <br />The French president, who was expected to outline the next steps in France's military operation, will also visit the capital Bamako on his whistestop tour.
