Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

When the French moved into Mali in January, their commander, Brigadier General François Lecointre, who has since become the commander of the EU mission, said at the time that it was a matter of weeks, not months.

Yesterday in Brussels, he stated he believed the mission should be expanded and should continue for at least a year longer than planned. We know the French moved in and decided to restore the previous Government, which had been thrown out by the rebels and which came to power through a military coup. It did not have much to do with democracy on the part of the French. They are certainly very keen to enhance their financial interest in what is a crucial area for them. We are now throwing in a few troops on a training mission. I fear it might end in tears. I am not sure it is a good idea for us to be out there.

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