EU meets Mali coup leader, asks to restore order

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — The acting head of the European Union delegation in Mali says he met with the soldier who led last week's coup to ask for a return to constitutional order as soon as possible.

Bertrand Soret said on Tuesday: "I saw Capt. (Amadou Haya) Sanogo this morning and told him that we expect him to find a solution to the current situation that keeps as closely as possible to the constitution."

Soret also said that he asked to see the ministers who have been detained by the junta. He said the coup leader promised a visit would be permitted during the day.

The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States is holding an emergency meeting in Ivory Coast on Wednesday's coup, which has been condemned by foreign governments. France, the European Union and the United States have all cut off most of their aid.