Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Friday, 3 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2008. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 6 October 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Mauritania: Peace Negotiations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps the Government has taken to promote peace in Mauritania.

Answer: On 6 August I made the following statement on the situation in Mauritania:"““The UK is following the situation in Mauritania closely and is concerned by reports of a military coup. We condemn any attempt to seize power by force and call on all parties to ensure respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law and to safeguard the well-being of their own citizens and foreign nationals in Mauritania. Britons currently in Mauritania should monitor local press reports and take sensible precautions for their safety””."I remain deeply concerned that the President Abdallahi remains in detention and no progress has been made towards the restoration of democracy. That is why I strongly support statements made by the EU Presidency, the African Union and others which have called for the immediate release of the President and Prime Minister and the restoration of constitutional order. A UN presidential statement agreed on 20 August condemned the coup and called for the immediate restoration of the legitimate, constitutional, democratically-elected institutions.The UK is working with our international partners to bring pressure to bear on the military regime in Mauritania and to promote peace in the region and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Secondary information