France not pursuing economic interests in Mali

Editor, I read with interest Kayitana ka Ruterandongozi’s opinion piece “Colonialism, neocolonialism, and recolonisation: an imperialist agenda?”

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Editor,I read with interest Kayitana ka Ruterandongozi’s opinion piece "Colonialism, neocolonialism, and recolonisation: an imperialist agenda?” (The New Times, March 12). Herein are some factual corrections to the piece: Mali, Niger to the contrary, is not a producer of uranium.The writer says that the French military intervention in Mali, unanimously approved by the Security Council of which Rwanda is a member, is motivated by the protection of French nuclear interests. This is at best an error; at worst misinformation.I also wish to specify that the French authorities have indicated that the French troops would leave Mali as soon as possible – starting in the month of April — and not as long as necessary as the writer stated.Michel FLESCHFrench Ambassador to Rwanda