United Nations Radio

UN special envoy for West Africa, Said Djinnit, returned to Dakar Monday following a three-day visit to Mauritania in which he met with the military junta leadership and urged an immediate return to constitutional rule.

During a meeting with military junta leader Gen. Abdelaziz, who now heads the High State Council, Djinnit expressed his regret that the 6 August coup had been perpetrated, and he emphasized its unanimous condemnation by the international community.

A UN statement says he called for the return to constitutional rule and also called on authorities to respect international obligations, including on human rights.

The special envoy appealed to the General to release President Ould Cheikh Abdallahi, who remains under arrest, as well as several other detained persons, who have subsequently been released.

Djinnit held a series of consultations with members of the Mauritanian Government, and various political parties, as well as representatives of civil society and labor unions.

He also held consultations with visiting officials of the African Union and the League of Arab League States, who were also in Mauritania.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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