UNSC condemns Mauritania coup

[q url=http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=67058§ionid=351020506]Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:18:08 GMT
The UN Security Council has censured the army-led coup in Mauritania, demanding the country's ousted president be immediately released.

In a nonbinding statement, the 15-member council called for the immediate "restoration of the legitimate, constitutional, democratic institutions" in the West African country, as well as the immediate release of President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi.

The majority of political parties, lawmakers and mayors in Mauritania voiced support for the coup, saying the overthrow of the government was a "corrective change" necessary to preserve national stability.

President Abdallahi -- the first democratically-elected president of Mauritania -- was removed from power in a army-led coup led by General Abdel Aziz on August 6 after he sacked senior army officers.

Aziz, the former head of presidential guards, has accused Abdallahi of corruption and tarnishing economic records. He vowed to organize swift and fair presidential elections as soon as possible.

The coup has drawn condemnation from the African Union, European Union, the US and the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

FF/BGH
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