Calling for return to constitutional order, Annan condemns coup in Mauritania

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today condemned the coup d’etat that took place in Mauritania, urging respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“He calls for the restoration of constitutional order and underlines the need for the full respect for human rights and the rule of law,” according to his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric.

In a separate statement yesterday, Mr. Dujarric said that the Secretary-General was “deeply troubled” by reports that an attempt was under way to overthrow the Mauritanian President. He added that Mr. Annan condemned any attempt to change the government of any country unconstitutionally and stressed that political disagreements should be settled through the democratic process.