Coup leaders in Mali agree to give up power

Coup leaders in Mali last night agreed to return the country to constitutional rule. The announcment came just hours after separatist rebels in the north of the country declared their independence.

Although article 36 of the constitution says elections should be held in no more than 40 days, the accord explains that that timeframe will likely be extended, due to rebellion which has turned the northern half of the country into a war zone.

Mali's Tuareg rebels, who seized control of the country's distant north in the chaotic aftermath of the coup, declared independence Friday of their Azawad nation.

One lingering question is the fate of ex-President Amadou Toumani Toure. His whereabouts remain unknown.

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