BAMAKO, Mali (AP) - The chief mediator in Mali says the leader of the junta there will get the status of a former head of state as part of a transition deal to new elections.
Djibrill Bassole, the foreign minister of Burkina Faso, said Sunday night that Capt. Amadou Sanogo would get all the privileges of a former head of state and would be able to meet with Mali's president and prime minister from time to time to discuss to running of the country.
The West African regional bloc ECOWAS had been threatening to re-impose sanctions on Mali if the junta did not accept the extended mandate of the interim president which was due to expire Tuesday.
The deal announced on Sunday will see the interim president in office for 12 months.
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