secretary-general:  mauritanian accord is basis for return to constitutional order

The following statement was issued by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the signing of the agreement between the Mauritanian parties today in Nouakchott.  The agreement constitutes a solid basis for a return to constitutional order and the consolidation of democracy in Mauritania.

The Secretary-General congratulates the parties for the spirit of compromise demonstrated during the negotiations.

The Secretary-General commends all those who assisted the Mauritanian parties in finding a consensual solution on the way forward, particularly the President of Senegal, the Chairman of the African Union and the members of the facilitation team, including his Special Representative for West Africa, and the International Contact Group.

The Secretary-General will closely follow developments in Mauritania leading up to the presidential election scheduled for 18 July 2009.

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For information media • not an official record