New York

21 December 2008

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Mauritania

The Secretary-General welcomes reports that President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi has been released from house arrest.

He also welcomes the removal of other restrictions imposed on him since he was deposed in a coup d'état on 6 August 2008.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the prompt restoration of constitutional order in Mauritania in the interest of peace and respect for the rule of law in the country.