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         Burkina Faso General: Military Still Subordinate to Government

   by VOA News

   A retired Burkina Faso general denied a military coup has taken place,
   telling VOA that unless the president steps down, the military will
   remain subordinate to the government.

   In an interview with VOA's French to Africa service, retired General
   Kouame Lougue said he does not know if President Blaise Compaore will
   respond to protesters' demands to resign, saying "the people will
   decide."
   Lougue is widely seen as a possible leader of the political transition
   announced Thursday after protesters set fire to the parliament and
   stormed other government buildings in the capital, Ouagadougou.

   The general said he would accept such a leadership position, insisting
   that if "my brothers in arms ask me and trust me, there is no reason to
   refuse the task."

   Won't resign

   ''On Thursday, Campaore refused to step down, saying he will instead
   lead a national unity government that will result in elections within a
   year.

   Hundreds of protesters on Friday returned to the streets of Ouagadougou
   to continue pushing for the president's removal. There were no reports
   of violence, unlike a day earlier, when three protesters were killed
   and dozens more injured.

   The protesters were upset over a proposed constitutional amendment to
   allow for another presidential term for Compaore, 63, who has been in
   office since 1987.

   In a concession to protesters, the government scrapped the proposal. It
   also lifted a state of emergency that had been declared just hours
   earlier. The moves have so far failed to satisfy the protesters.

   On Thursday, Army chief General Honore Traore intervened, dissolving
   parliament and announcing plans for a transitional government. He also
   ordered a dusk til dawn curfew.

   Hours later, Campaore appeared on television to say he was "available
   to open talks on a transitional period at the end of which I will hand
   over power to the democratically elected president."

   US reaction

   The U.S. State Department welcomed Campaore's decision to withdraw the
   constitutional amendment. It also praised the formation of a national
   unity government to prepare for national elections.

   The State Department also commented on the deaths caused by the unrest,
   calling "on all parties to avoid further violence. We underscore our
   commitment to peaceful transitions of power through democratic
   elections. ..."

   It is unclear whether Burkina Faso's opposition parties will agree to
   join the unity government. Several opposition members have repeated
   their call for the president to resign immediately.

   The United Nations said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon "is following
   with great concern the deteriorating security situation in Burkina
   Faso" and calling on all parties "to end the use of violence, exercise
   calm and restraint, and use dialogue to resolve all outstanding
   issues."
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/burkina-faso-general-military-still-s
   ubordinate-to-the-government/2503087.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/burkina-faso-general-military-still-subordinate-to-the-government/2503087.html