Brussels, 12/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has given its support to the decision taken by the African Union on 5 February, to impose targeted sanctions on members of the military junta who carried out the coup d'état on 6 August in Mauritania. It will also propose that the EU imposes sanctions as part of the Cotonou agreement linking the EU to 78 ACP countries (Africa/Caribbean/Pacific). These sanctions are a last resort and could lead to total suspension of cooperation between the EU and Mauritania. Consultations with Nouakchott aimed at encouraging a return to constitutional order, under Article 96 of the Cotonou agreement, are coming to an end and on 11 February Louis Michel, the commissioner for development, declared: “I am disappointed to note that the junta continues to implement its own solution, which is subsequently leading to the country's international isolation”. The Commission will soon propose “appropriate measures” to EU member states, as stipulated under Article 96, if no satisfactory solution is found to rectify the shortcomings identified. The Commission is also prepared to discuss CFSP sanctions with member states that they might adopt. (A.N./transl.rh)