Hollande: "The release of the hostages in the Sahel and the intervention in Mali are not contradictory"

Asked whether the planned military intervention in Mali could endanger the lives of French hostages held in the Sahel, François Hollande has refuted the hypothesis, during an interview broadcast on France 24, RFI and TV5 recorded Thursday afternoon.

"Understand me. Consider the position of France may be dependent on a hostage? We have two duties: to free our hostages and liberate Mali of terrorism. They are not contradictory. Instead they are the same," he said.

"I think the kidnappers know what can happen, and therefore can be available to release our citizens as soon as possible " he added. And go directly to the kidnappers: "they hear me, if they are in front of the screen or on the radio we release our hostages, and we will do it. "

"We make sure that all the tracks, all contacts are used for free," he said. "There was a video a few days ago  which was was released, so we understand the messages sent to us, and have a number of contacts. I can not tell you more."