Islamist rebels in Mali acknowledged Sunday they suffered heavy losses in fights with the country's military and French troops -- but it wouldn't stop them.

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Islamist rebels in Mali acknowledged Sunday they suffered heavy losses in fights with the country's military and French troops -- but said it wouldn't stop them.

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"It wouldn't be right to stop a game because a few fans that turn up to the stadium behave like that, " he said.

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He argued that having a growth plan would help get the economy moving again and "stop the vicious circle on the deficit" but said it wouldn't "secure our economic future" on its own and tough decisions would still be needed on tax and spending.

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