Brussels, 07/08/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 7 August 2008, the European Commission said it had taken note of the announcement by the soldiers who had carried out the coup d'etat in Mauritania of new presidential elections but that did not change its condemnation of the situation in the strongest terms. It repeated its call for a return to constitutional order (see EUROPE 9719).
John Clancy, a spokesperson for EU Commissioner Louis Michel, who is responsible for relations with Africa, told reporters that the situation was unacceptable. New elections had to be held in the current constitutional framework, he added, noting that release of the democratically elected president and prime minister was a vital precondition. Asked whether the coup would jeopardise EU cooperation with Mauritian (a €156 million aid programme under the 10th European Development Fund for 2008-2013) mentioned by Louis Michel, Clancy said that the formal opening of political talks under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and 78 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific had not been ruled out. Such talks are foreseen in the event of violation by any of the signatories to the Cotonou Agreement of one or more vital elements like democratic principles, human rights, the rule of law or good governance. The aim of the talks would be to find a remedy to the situation and, should no remedy be forthcoming, they can lead in the last resort to cooperation being partially or fully suspended.
In a statement published on Wednesday 6 August 2008, the Presidency of the Council of the EU expressed strong condemnation of the coup d'etat led by General Mohamel Ould Abdel Aziz. 'It recalls that President Abdallahi was elected in March 2007 following free and transparent elections. The current political tensions in Mauritania must be resolved within the institutional framework arising from the democratic transition… The Presidency of the Council of the EU will follow developments in the country's political situation, in close collaboration with the African Union.'
Javier Solana, the EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), called for the full restoration of institutional legality in line with the deed of foundation of the African Union which rejects any attempts to take power by force. Solana said he unreservedly backed the current efforts by the African Union to resolve the crisis through reason and dialogue. (A.N. transl fl)