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 steps the Government has taken to protect Britons living in and visiting Mauritania since the recent coup in that country.

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””."On 6 August the Foreign and Commonwealth Office amended the travel advice advising against ““all but essential travel to Mauritania”” and advising ““British nationals to keep a low profile, exercise caution and avoid all areas where there are large gatherings of people””. Travel advice was updated again on 23 September and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.While the UK does not have permanent representation in Mauritania, our honorary consul in Nouakchott offers support and emergency assistance to British nationals in Mauritania.

Secondary information