Mali PM 'ashamed' at leader's beating

Bamako, 22 May – (ANA) - Mali's Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra has said he is ashamed that Mali's interim president was beaten unconscious by protesters on Monday.

In a TV address, he appealed for calm and ordered the protests to stop.

Dioncounda Traore was attacked a day after a deal was struck with coup leader Capt Amadou Sanogo for him to remain in office for a year.

A spokesman for regional bloc Ecowas also said Mali could face sanctions if the military was involved. It is thought that soldiers allowed demonstrators who backed the coup leaders into Mr Traore's office, which is next to the presidential palace.

He was unconscious when he arrived at hospital with a head wound, but was later released.

The protesters were angry that Mr Traore's mandate, which had been due to expire on Monday, was extended. They see him as a member of the political class, which they blame for Mali's problems. The coup, and ensuing rebel seizure of northern Mali, have led many thousands of people to flee their homes. Aid agencies say they are extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Mali, which is also suffering from the regional drought. (ANA)

FA/ANA/22 May 2012--------------