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August 5, 2005
Mauritania Update. . .
The following is the transcript from the State Department's Daily Press Briefing that addresses Mauritania:
QUESTION: Mauritania, do you have anything to report on today's meeting between the coup leader there and the U.S. Ambassador?MR. CASEY: Let's see.
QUESTION: Was coup involved?
MR. CASEY: Well, let me just step back a little bit and talk a little bit about where I understand the situation is. I think most of you saw her statement last night. The United States joins the African Union in condemning the overthrow of the Government of Mauritania and we oppose any attempts by rogue elements to change governments through extra constitutional or violent means.
As I understand it, the situation on the ground is still fluid, but the Military Council for Justice and Democracy as it is calling itself appears to be in control in the capital. Certainly, we intend to work closely with the African Union and the UN and other regional and international partners to restore constitutional rule to Mauritania as quickly as possible.
Ambassador LeBaron, our ambassador in Nouakchott, has spoken with President Taya's chief of staff who is in Niger. President Taya, I think, as we mentioned yesterday, was attending the funeral of King Fahd and his plane diverted to Niger when news of the coup reached it and that is where he remains. The Ambassador was convoked for a meeting late this afternoon by the Foreign Ministry with leaders of the Council, but I don't have any readout on that meeting or any additional information at this time. And we'll endeavor to get something on it.
Yes. Saul.
QUESTION: Forgive my ignorance, "convoked"? Is there a particular diplomatic weight to that? What does it mean in diplomatic terms?
MR. CASEY: I think that in simple English, it means he was asked to come to the ministry.
QUESTION: Does he have to go? It's a request?
MR. CASEY: I don't believe there was use of force involved, no.
QUESTION: And he did go; is that correct?
MR. CASEY: That's my understanding was he was intending to do so, but I don't actually have a readout on it.
QUESTION: Even though he's our standing government official, these are coup (inaudible) officials, do you know? I mean they aren't the standing government.
MR. CASEY: Well, again, the request was made by the foreign ministry for him to
come and meet with the Military Council of Justice and Democracy. That is an
organ, as I understand it, of the Government in Mauritania and my understanding
was he is intending to go meet with them.QUESTION: Sorry, so when it's a request and this word convoked -- yes, he's not
being escorted by anyone with arms, but is there some kind of threat involved
in the request, that "You have to turn up, otherwise you" --MR. CASEY: I'm not aware of any threats involved in the request, no. Sorry, you
want to let Saul follow-up?QUESTION: Forgive me if I misunderstood. Has he met or is it that he's going to
meet?MR. CASEY: My understanding was he was going to. I don't have confirmation that
they have and I will try and get that for you and (inaudible).QUESTION: Can you explain the thought behind why you would decide to go meet
someone who's organized a coup, as opposed to making a symbolic a statement
that you know, we don't deal with you, you're not the constitutional
government?MR. CASEY: Really, Saul, at this point, I don't have anything more for you on
it. I'll endeavor to get you something else.QUESTION: So, how will the U.S. respond if its demands for the return to power
of the president continue to be completely ignored?MR. CASEY: Well, again, I don't want to speculate. At this point, we're working
with the African Union and with the UN. We certainly are seeking a restoration
to a constitutional government in Mauritania and we'll continue to put our
focus there for now.Teri, did you I'm sorry.
QUESTION: No, I was --
MR. CASEY: Mr. Lambros?
QUESTION: On the Balkans --
QUESTION: No, can I just --
MR. CASEY: Sir, you want to stay on this for a second Peter?
QUESTION: Yeah, just to stay on this for one second.
MR. CASEY: Okay.
QUESTION: You say you want the return to a constitutional government.
Yesterday, you said you wanted the return of the president. Are you still
sticking to the return of the president?MR. CASEY: The president is the head of the constitutional Government of
Mauritania.
More later. . .
--Jason
Posted by JasonColeman at August 5, 2005 11:29 AM
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