A government spokesman says the military junta in Mali has reached an agreement with the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) that would allow interim president Dioncounda Traore to lead a transitional process until elections. The agreement comes just as the 40-day transition period prescribed by Mali's constitution was set to expire tomorrow (Tuesday). Hamadoune Toure, Mali’s minister for communication and the government spokesman, tells reporter James Butty the deal also gives coup leader Captain Amadou Sanogo all the benefits and privileges of a former head of state.