Burkina Faso's army leader agrees to 'consensual' leadership

Burkina Faso's interim leader Isaac Zida Monday promised to hand over power to a transition body led by a consensual leader, as part of effort to calm the ongoing political crisis in the country.

"Our understanding is that the executive powers will be led by a transitional body but within a constitutional framework that we will watch over carefully," Xinhua quoted Zida as telling a gathering in the capital Ouagadougou.

The new development came after President Blaise Compaore, who had ruled for 27 years, resigned Friday and fled to Cote d'Ivoire amid violent protests.

Army chief Honore Nabere Traore declared himself head of state Oct 31, but the army Nov 1 backed Presidential Guard Lt.Colonel Issaac Zida to lead an interim government.

On Nov 2, however, demonstrations were staged in the capital as protesters pressed the military to transfer power to civilian rule.