A Malian government spokesman says the transitional authority remains focused on organizing elections and resolving the Tuareg rebellion in the north, after the country's interim president was attacked earlier this week.

Hamadoune Toure told VOA the government is committed to a deal between interim president Dioncounda Traore, coup leader Captain Amadou Sanogo and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to extend Mr. Traore's mandate for one year.

“Our government, as far as we are concerned, we stick to the agreement signed on Sunday regarding the conduct of the transition, regarding the organs of the transition and regarding the leadership of the transition.”

Members of the pro-junta political coalition, COPAM, told VOA Wednesday they have chosen Captain Sanogo to replace Mr. Traore as head of the transition, but no public announcement has been made.

Mr. Traore traveled to Paris Wednesday to seek medical treatment. The interim leader was injured Monday when protesters overpowered guards at the presidential palace and attacked him in his office.

Mr. Traore's chief of staff, Issa Togo, told VOA the interim president is fine and had returned to work Tuesday before traveling to France. He said Mr. Traore goes to Paris every year at this time for a medical checkup.