Brussels, 27/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 27 September, the Council of the EU approved, as a point “A” (without discussion), a roadmap for the gradual resumption of development cooperation with Niger, on the condition that the authorities of the country stand by their commitment to re-establish constitutional order. In 2009, further to anti-constitutional attempts by President Mamadou Tandja to remain in power after the end of his second five-year term in office, the EU temporarily suspended cooperation with Niger in the framework of the European Development Fund and held consultations with the authorities of the country in December 2009. After a military coup d'État, which brought Commander Djibo Salou to power in February 2010, another series of consultations began in May. During this session of talks, the Nigerian authorities put forward a number of proposals concerning the return to constitutional order and the establishment of a new democratic government, which the EU found broadly encouraging. On the basis of this commitment, the EU is now ready to phase development aid back in. “Once a new national assembly and a new president have been installed through democratic elections, cooperation will be fully resumed. Independently, the EU will continue to finance humanitarian and emergency operations directly benefiting the people of Niger as well as support to the political transition”, reads a press release issued on Monday by the Council. The measures adopted on Monday will remain in force for 12 months and will be assessed in the light of the implementation of the commitments, it is stated. (H.B./transl.fl)