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6 April, 2012 - 23:18

Tuareg rebels proclaim independence of north Mali

A picture taken on April 3 shows Malian military junta leader captain Amadou Sanogo speaking at Kati military camp near Bamako. Mali's military junta has agreed with West African bloc ECOWAS a framework for a return to constitutional rule, including an amnesty for those behind the coup. data/files/photo_1333754274611-8-0.jpg

Tuareg rebels of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) on Friday proclaimed the "independence of Azawad (north Mali)," in a statement on their website and through a spokesman on France 24 television.

"We solemnly proclaim the independence of Azawad as from today," said Mossa Ag Attaher, who added that the rebels would respect "the borders with other states."