1.
CU Mali Foreign Minister Sissoko
0.05

2.
CU Ministers listening (2 shots)
0.16

3.
CU Ferrandi
0.21

4.
MV Two delegates listening
0.26

5.
CU Sissoko speaking
0.29

6.
CU Ministers listening
0.38

7.
MV & CU Ferrandi and delegates at table
0.46

8.
MV Sissoko and colleagues
0.51



Initials ES. 1540 ES. 1550



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Matters of economic progress and the restoration of State finances were discussed at a meeting held in the Mali capital of Bamako between a delegation from the European Development Fund and Malian Government leaders.

Heading the visiting Development Fund delegation was its Director-General, Mr. Jean Ferrandi.

The Malian delegation was led by the Foreign Minister, Captain Charles Samba Sissoko, who is also Co-operation Minister.

The meeting, held last week (15 November), comes at a time of improvement in Mali's economic affairs.

The country's President, Colonel Moussa Traore, said recently a three-year economic and financial plan was progressing satisfactorily, and in the past three years, 21 firms had been registered, creating 2,000 new jobs.

He said favourable conditions for a return to normal constitutional life in the country would be created by the rectification of the economy and the restoration of State finances. These two objectives were in the progress of being realised, he said.