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           Burkina Faso Opposition Cancels Protests as Talks Continue

   by VOA News

   Opposition leaders in Burkina Faso called off protests as they continue
   holding talks with the country's military leadership on forming a
   government of "national consensus."

   Opposition leader Zephirin Diabre said the army has promised to soon
   present a document outlining a transition process. Diabre said the
   opposition will then review the plan, and the dialogue will continue.

   The military took control Friday, after longtime President Blaise
   Compaore resigned in the face of protests against his effort to amend
   the constitution to allow him to run for another term.

   The military appointed Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida as interim
   president.

   The opposition said Zida told them he will lift his suspension of
   Burkina Faso's constitution, which would lead to a constitutional
   council asking all sides to propose an interim leader.

   Civilian leader

   The African Union has joined the opposition in saying a new interim
   leader must be a civilian.

   The AU Peace and Security Council said Monday the military has two
   weeks to return power to a civilian transitional government "or else."

   Also Monday, United Nations special representative Mohamed Ibn Chambas
   met with opposition and military leaders as part of an effort to
   "quickly find a solution that is consistent with the national
   constitution."

   A joint mission that includes the U.N., African Union and the Economic
   Community of West African States said in a statement it is encouraged
   by the commitments of all sides to work together to organize a
   transition.

   There were no reports of unrest Monday in the capital, Ouagadougou, a
   day after protests against the military.

   Demonstrators Sunday called on Zida to step down. One person was killed
   when soldiers fired on a crowd at the state television station.
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   sts-as-talks-continue/2507164.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/burkina-faso-opposition-cancels-protests-as-talks-continue/2507164.html