Chris Coons actually said...

"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."

"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 educatio..."

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

"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."