Mauritania: EU normalises relations with Mauritania

Source: European Union (EU) - The European Union has normalised its relationships and fully resumed development cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

Following the elections and the appointment of Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz as president, the EU considers that a consensual solution to the political crisis has been implemented and that Mauritania has returned to constitutional order. It has therefore repealed all appropriate measures for Mauritania today while inviting the country to a close political dialogue with the EU aimed at strengthening the stability of the country (5012/10).1

The EU will support Mauritania's continuing efforts to overcome its economic and political difficulties, including new security and terrorist threats, while encouraging the national inclusive dialogue anticipated in the Dakar agreement signed between the political forces on 4 June 2009.

The EU considered the coup in Mauritania on 6 August 2008 a violation of democracy and the rule of law, both essential elements of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement. It therefore opened consultations with the Islamic Republic. Concluding them on 6 April 2009, the Council set out a roadmap for the gradual resumption of cooperation if a consensual solution to Mauritania's crisis were found including new presidential elections. Since the signature of the Dakar agreement, the EU has gradually resumed its development cooperation with Mauritania.

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