Askari Kanzu
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 7, 2011
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Africa leaders scrap Mali visit mid-flight on violence fears
By David Lewis and Ange Aboa | Reuters
BAMAKO/ABIDJAN (Reuters) - West African presidents scheduled to meet Mali's junta leaders on Thursday were forced to turn around mid-flight after reports of pro-junta protests at the airport and in the capital, sources said.
An official at Ivory Coast's presidency confirmed the airplane carrying President Alassane Ouattara, one of a delegation of six heads of state from regional bloc ECOWAS meant to arrive in Mali, had returned to the capital Abidjan.
Two diplomatic sources said the other heads of state had also scrapped the planned meeting, designed to pressure the leaders of last week's coup that toppled President Amadou Toumani Toure to swiftly restore constitutional order.
"Everyone is heading home," one of the diplomats said, asking not to be named. There was no word on whether the visit would be rescheduled.
A Reuters reporter at Mali's Bamako airport said most of the red carpets laid out for the arrival of the visiting delegation had been rolled up, though security remained tight and an honor guard was deployed.
Reuters
By David Lewis and Ange Aboa | Reuters
BAMAKO/ABIDJAN (Reuters) - West African presidents scheduled to meet Mali's junta leaders on Thursday were forced to turn around mid-flight after reports of pro-junta protests at the airport and in the capital, sources said.
An official at Ivory Coast's presidency confirmed the airplane carrying President Alassane Ouattara, one of a delegation of six heads of state from regional bloc ECOWAS meant to arrive in Mali, had returned to the capital Abidjan.
Two diplomatic sources said the other heads of state had also scrapped the planned meeting, designed to pressure the leaders of last week's coup that toppled President Amadou Toumani Toure to swiftly restore constitutional order.
"Everyone is heading home," one of the diplomats said, asking not to be named. There was no word on whether the visit would be rescheduled.
A Reuters reporter at Mali's Bamako airport said most of the red carpets laid out for the arrival of the visiting delegation had been rolled up, though security remained tight and an honor guard was deployed.
Reuters