02/07/2019 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 1 July, the EU welcomed the election of Mohamed Cheikh Mohamed as President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. His victory in the first round of voting on 22 June was confirmed on the same day by the Constitutional Council (see EUROPE 12282/24). “The first constitutional transition between two elected Presidents marks an important milestone for the country. In a context of post-election tensions, the European Union reiterates its call for calm and restraint, respect for the law and the absence of violence”, said the spokeswoman of the European External Action Service. The EU expresses its “readiness to further strengthen” its partnership with Mauritania “for the economic and social development of all Mauritanians, for the respect of fundamental rights and for regional security”. Mr El Ghazouani will take up his duties on 2 August. (AN)