Mali's post-coup talks make progress

They've not revealed what they've agreed on, but West African mediators and Mali's military junta say they have found consensus on "certain aspects" during negotiations aimed at returning the country to civilian rule.

[ECOWAS mediator Goodluck Jonathan, saying...] "All of us want the country to move on."

A delegation from the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States arrived in Bamako on Saturday (August 22) with the aim of reversing the coup.

Wary of prolonged instability in a region that has seen escalating Islamist militancy, ECOWAS has taken a hard line on the ouster of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita - closing borders, suspending financial flows and reducing engagement.

But one diplomat told Reuters that reinstating Keita is not an option.

Meetings were held behind closed doors on Sunday (August 23) and progress was made.

That's according to former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who leads the ECOWAS delegation...

"We have reached a number of agreements, but we have not reached agreement in all the issues."

... as well as junta spokesman Colonel Ismael Wague.

''Discussions are continuing, we have reached compromise points on certain aspects and negotiations will continue tomorrow."

A senior officer close to the junta, which is known as the National Committee for the Salvation of the People and is led by Colonel Assimi Goita, said the ECOWAS sanctions were discussed on Sunday morning.

Other key issues will include Keita's fate and details of Mali's transition to civilian rule.

Though the coup was condemned internationally, it has been welcomed by many in Mali which has seen months of unrest over a disputed election and perceived government corruption and incompetence.