Burkina Faso's military leader snubs AU deadline

Burkina Faso's interim leader, Lt Col Isaac Zida, has dismissed the African Union two-week deadline to hand power to a civilian.

"We are not afraid of sanctions; we care much more about stability," said Lt Col Zida after talks with opposition parties and civil society.

They have agreed to hold elections next year, but not who should lead the country until then.

The military took power after President Blaise Compaore was forced to quit last week amid mass protests.

The African Union (AU) on Monday gave the military a two-week ultimatum to hand power to a civilian ruler or face sanctions.

Lt Col Zida - the interim leader backed by the army - later promised to comply with the deadline.

He was previously second in command of the presidential guard.

He has however backtracked on his early promise daring the AU to go ahead with its sanctions as the deadline approaches.