Mali president attacked

Interim Mali President Dioncounda Traore was yesterday taken to hospital with a head wound after being attacked by demonstrators.



He is said to have been unconscious on arrival, but later left the hospital.



The army says it shot dead three people during mass protests by supporters of March's coup who were angry at a deal for Traore to remain in office for a year.



Traore's initial mandate was due to expire on Monday.



However, West African leaders reached a deal with coup leader Captain Amadou Sanogo for Traore to stay on to organise elections and end a northern rebellion.



The deal also saw Captain Sanogo recognised as a former head of state with a salary and a mansion.