Brussels, 05/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a common resolution from EPP-ED, PES, ALDE, UEN, Greens and GUE/NGL adopted on Thursday 4 September, the European Parliament condemns the military coup perpetrated on 6 August this year by the Mauritanian generals. The coup constitutes violation of constitutional legality and of the democratic results of Mauritanian elections acknowledged at international level. Judging that this military coup, the second in three years, is a step backward from the progress made in developing democracy and rule of law over recent years, the EP calls for an end to be put to political tension in Mauritania, as part of the institutional framework set in place after the transition phase towards democracy. It calls for constitutional and civil order to be restored as soon as possible. Also, the EP calls for the immediate release of Mauritanian President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi and of Prime Minister Yahya Ould Ahmed el-Waghef and other members of the government under house arrest. Calling for full respect of constitutional law, it encourages changes to be made in the Mauritanian constitution to ensure greater political stability, after a far-reaching debate with all political forces of the country. Also, noting the announcement by the military junta that new presidential elections would be held, the EP calls on the military forces in power to immediately set a timetable for restoring the democratic institutions, in consultation with all political forces. Welcoming the efforts made by the African Union in favour of a solution to the crisis, the EP calls on the Commission to undertake political dialogue with a view to restoring constitutional lawfulness. If the latter does not achieve results, the EP suggests freezing aid to Mauritania, except for food and humanitarian aid. Finally, it calls for a delegation of the EP to be sent to examine the situation in the field. (E.H./transl.jl)