INSTRUCTION TO SEEK A UNSC STATEMENT ON MAURITANIA

UNCLAS STATE 085170

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PRUM XA XY MR
SUBJECT: INSTRUCTION TO SEEK A UNSC STATEMENT ON MAURITANIA


1. (U) This is an action request. USUN should immediately
urge African Security Council members' to take the lead in
the drafting of a Presidential Statement or Press Statement
on the situation in Mauritania. USUN should draw from the
following points when recommending text for the statement.
End action.


2. (U) Begin points:

-- The Security Council condemns the Mauritanian military's
overthrow of the democratically-elected President of
Mauritania and welcomes the statements by the African Union
and the European Union condemning the coup.

-- The Security Council opposes any attempts by military
elements to change governments through extra - constitutional
means.

-- The Security Council calls on the military to release
President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi and Prime
Minister Yahya Ould Ahmed El Waghef and Interior Minister
Mohamed Ould R'Zeizim and to restore the legitimate,
constitutional, democratically-elected government
immediately.

-- The Mauritanian military's actions are extremely
disappointing, especially in light of Mauritania's recent
democratic progress and subsequent material increases in
assistance from the international community since the last
election.

-- The Security Council looks to all international partners
to condemn these actions and remains seized of the matter.
RICE