United Nations Radio

The Security Council today condemned the recent military overthrow of the democratically elected government of Mauritania and demanded the immediate release of the ousted President.

In a statement read by its President, Ambassador Jan Grauls(photo) of Belgium, the Council welcomed the statement by the African Union, the European Union and other members of the community condemning the coup.

The Security Council said it opposes any attempts to change governments through unconstitutional means.

"The Security Council condemns the actions of the State Council, in particular its move to seize the powers of the presidency. The Security Council demands the immediate release of President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheik Abdallahi and the restoration of the legitimate constitutional democratic institutions immediately."

The Security Council noted the important role played by the African Union and the Secretary-General through his Special Representative in West Africa, Said Djinnit.

Reporting for UN Radio, Bissera Kostova.

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