Mali president finally resigns after coup

London, April 9 (IANS) Mali president Amadou Toumani Toure has finally resigned by handing over a letter to an emissary to deliver to the country's new leaders following a coup in March, The Telegraph reported.

Toure was just months from finishing his last term when soldiers March 22 stormed the presidential palace, sending him into hiding and cancelling a democratic tradition which lasted for over two decades.

The resignation paves the way for Mali to name a new interim president, the next step in the nation's return to democratic rule.

Days after toppling the government in a coup by disgruntled soldiers, Mali's junta announced restoration of the country's constitution.

The junta also agreed to negotiate with political forces over establishing a transition body aimed at organising peaceful, free and democratic elections in which the junta would not participate.

Toure, the former army general credited with rescuing Mali from military dictatorship and establishing democracy, was due to step aside at the end of his current term. The presidential elections were due in April 2012, according to BBC.

He had come to power in 1991 after overthrowing military ruler Moussa Traore when security forces killed over 100 pro-democracy demonstrators. He won presidential elections in May 2002 and was re-elected in 2007.