Traore voices support for Mali’s army

Mali's interim President Dioncounda Traore speaks upon his arrival at the Bamako airport.

Mali's interim President Dioncounda Traore speaks upon his arrival at the Bamako airport.

Published Jul 30, 2012

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Bamako, Mali -

In his first address to the nation since returning from a two-month exile, Mali's interim president says he trusts Mali's army to assure his security.

Dioncounda Traore was beaten until he lost consciousness on May 21 by a mob of protesters allied with the country's coup leader. Soldiers were seen waving in the attackers. Traore left for medical treatment in Paris and returned on Friday. His long absence was seen as a sign that he does not trust the military to assure his safety.

Traore said on Sunday that he fully trusts Mali's security services “to assure the safety of the president of the republic.”

He says he will lead an interim government until new elections can be held, establishing a High Council that will include himself and two vice presidents. - Sapa-AP

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