Mali's transitional authorities have received a delegation of the Economic Community of West African States for talks on the fate of 46 Ivorian soldiers detained in the country since 10 July.
The delegation comprises Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, his Gambian counterpart Adama Barrow, Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Dussey, and mediator for Mali Goodluck Jonathan.
Ecowas chairperson Umaro Sissoco Embalo had hinted at fresh sanctions for Mali if it continued to detain the 46 Ivorian soldiers.
Mali's Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, says his country would not obey any order on the detention of the soldiers, accused of being mercenaries.