MAURITANIA REVISED INSTRUCTION TO SEEK A UNSC

UNCLAS STATE 086600 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PRUM XA XY MR SUBJECT: MAURITANIA REVISED INSTRUCTION TO SEEK A UNSC PRST ON REF: STATE 85170 ¶1. (U) This is an action request. USUN should seek a Presidential Statement (PRST) on the situation in Mauritania. USUN should work with African members of the Council and France drawing from the following points. ¶2. (U) Begin points: -- The Security Council strongly 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 condemns the actions of the military junta, in particular its move to seize the powers of the Presidency. -- The Security Council calls on the military to release President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi and to restore the legitimate, constitutional, democratically-elected government immediately. -- The Security Council views the Mauritanian military's actions as extremely troubling, especially in light of Mauritania's recent democratic progress and subsequent economic assistance and support from the international community since the last election. -- The Security Council appreciates the role of the African Union, and looks to all international partners, in particular the African Union, to assist in quickly bringing constitutional order back to Mauritania, and condemning the actions of the military. -- The Security Council remains seized of the matter. RICE