Mali's future development must be led by the Malian people.

I don't think that level of resourcing was commensurate with the threat either.

We urge the interim government to find ways to effectively address northern grievances in a peaceful manner.

I also have concern anytime al-Qaeda takes advantage of a vacuum or flows into an area because of poverty or because of lack of governance.

Can we afford to wait what may well be a year for planning, training, assembly of a regional force for the completion of negotiations for a successful election?

We are committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Mali.

The developments of the last year, nearly 2 years, have been very upsetting, disturbing, troubling.

But we don't think that the movement toward the restoration of democracy should be held hostage to a complete military victory in the north.

We do need to concentrate on decentralization and making connection between government delivery of services and the individual at the community level.

The United States firmly believes that Mali's interim leaders must continue preparations in earnest to hold elections in this timeframe simultaneous with efforts to restore territorial integrity.

We have to keep certain things in mind. One of them is the connection with Libya.

I think it has to be rooted in democracy and social justice and good governance inside every African country.

The north must be included because we believe that, aside from the AQIM threat, there is a legitimate concern that people in the north have not benefited the way people in the south have from education, from health care, infrastructure.

We . . . recognize that an African-led, multinational force, supported by the international community, may be necessary to assist the Malians to dislodge extremists from the north.

I hope that will contribute to an ongoing process of trying to expand the range and scope of testimony included in these hearings.

What lessons have we learned, if I might, both Ms. Dory and Mr. Gast?

I'd like to thank our first panel. I'm mindful of the time. We have a four-member second panel. Senator Isakson and I, I know both, are very concerned about and interested in this and will follow up with each of you...

A broad and inclusive dialogue, and real accountability.