Of course I am optimistic—even very optimistic. By nature, Malians are a people with a passion for peace. It is know that we are a peaceful people. We have never had such problems in the past. We were united. These people are outsiders who represent only themselves; they represent nothing. The MNLA calls itself indépendantiste. However, Tuaregs account for only 3% of the northern regions, and MNLA members, who are calling for independence, represents only a small minority of that 3%. The great majority of Tuaregs want to remain with the Malian government. They consider themselves Malians. One Particular Tuareg has been the second vice-chair of the Malian National Assembly for 20 years, and every chance he gets—Strasbourg or elsewhere—he contradicts the MNLA. He has been vice-president of the Malian National Assembly for 20 years as a Tuareg.
On February 7th, 2013. See this statement in context.