Mauritania / Statement of the French minister of Foreign Affairs

 

Mauritania / Statement of the French minister of Foreign Affairs

 

PARIS, France, August 6, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — What information do you have on the coup d’état that seems to be under way in Nouakchott? Have measures been taken to ensure the safety of French and other foreign nationals?

 

We are in contact with our embassy in Nouakchott and are following the situation very closely in conjunction with all of our partners.

Measures have been taken locally to ensure the safety of French nationals. Security recommendations will be issued based on how the situation evolves.

 

Was a military coup predictable in Mauritania? How do you explain the situation?

 

You know how attached we are to Mauritania’s stability. It is too soon to describe the situation. Let me remind you nevertheless of France’s attachment to preserving the rule of law in all circumstances and its hostility to the seizure of power by force.

 

SOURCE : France – Ministry of Foreign Affairs