Malian parliamentary leader returns as deal is signed

The leader of Mali's National Assembly, forced into exile after last month's coup, returned this weekend, marking the first step in the country's path back to constitutional rule.

Dioncounda Traore was in Burkina Faso on 21 March when soldiers ousted Mali's President.

Under intense pressure from neighbouring nations, the junior officer who seized power signed an accord agreeing to return to civilian rule. The accord calls for the immediate application of Article 36 of the constitution, which says that if the President is unable to carry out his functions, the head of the assembly becomes interim President until elections can be held.

AP