Burkina Army Chief Assumes Power After Ousting President

Burkina Faso's army chief Navere Honore Traore said he was taking
power on Friday as head of state after President Blaise Compaore
announced his resignation.

(Photo: Blaise Compaore)

"In line with constitutional measures, and given the power vacuum ... I
will assume as of today my responsibilities as head of state," said
Traore in a statement.

France's Hollande welcomes Burkina Faso leader's resignation

France's President Francois Hollande on Friday welcomed the
resignation of his Burkina Faso counterpart and called for calm and
restraint amid unrest in the former French colony.

"France welcomes the resignation of the president of Burkina Faso
which allows for a way out of the crisis," Hollande's office said in a
statement.

Hollande expressed his "solidarity" with the victims of the recent
unrest wracking

Burkina Faso and called for "calm and restraint from everyone involved."

"France recalls its attachment to the Constitution and therefore to
the quick holding of democratic elections," added Hollande.

Burkina Faso's embattled President Blaise Compaore announced earlier
Friday he was stepping down to make way for elections following a
violent uprising against his 27-year rule.

Hollande had said earlier he was "sure" Compaore would take the "right
decision" to bring calm to the country.

Known in colonial times as Upper Volta, the landlocked country became
independent from France in 1960 and its name was changed to Burkina
Faso ("the land of upright men") in 1984.

EU says Burkina Faso people must decide own future

The EU called Friday for the people of Burkina Faso to have the final
say in who governs the west African country, as President Blaise
Compaore stepped down after mass protests.

The 28-nation bloc said it was ready to help with elections, which
Compaore said in his resignation statement should be held within 90
days.

"The European Union believes that it is up to the people of Burkina
Faso to decide their own future. Any solution must be the result of a
broad consensus and respect the constitution," a spokesman for the
bloc's diplomatic service said in a statement.

The EU was "working with all actors on the ground to find a solution"
and consulting with international partners over the crisis, triggered
by an uprising after Compaore tried to extend his 27 years in power.

"We are ready to work with the people of Burkina Faso to ensure a
return to normality, including the organisation of elections," it
said.