U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
_____________________________________________________
For Immediate Release September 3, 2008
2008/
Statement by Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Coup in Mauritania
The United States strongly condemns the military coup in Mauritania and considers the process that brought into being the High State Council and “cabinet” to be illegitimate and undemocratic. We are deeply disappointed with the lack of progress in the restoration of constitutional rule and the search for a political solution to the current situation in Mauritania.
In response to the coup, most United States government aid to Mauritania has been terminated, including both development and security assistance. In addition to measures already announced, we are exploring targeted sanctions against military and civilian individuals who are impeding the return to democratic government.
We continue to urge the coup leaders to free President Abdallahi and Prime Minister Waghef and to restore Mauritania’s constitution. The international community, including the United Nations, European Union, Organization of the Islamic Conference, and the African Union has sent a resounding message that the removal of a democratically elected government by unconstitutional means cannot be tolerated.