Statement Ministry for Foreign Affairs 07 August 2008
Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Carl Bildt on the military coup in Mauritania

"Today's military coup in Mauritania is a serious setback for a country which has successfully established a functioning democratic system after a long period of authoritarian rule.

With its democratisation and far-sighted foreign policy - for example, diplomatic relations with Israel - Mauritania has won considerable regard. A few months ago I had the pleasure of receiving the country's foreign minister on a visit to Stockholm.

But as one of the world's poorest countries, Mauritania has been severely affected by the food price crisis and fundamentalist terrorist groups have also operated in the country.

I assume that not least the African Union will now act to restore constitutional rule as soon as possible in the country," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.