MAURITANIA: Coup members face one-month sanctions ultimatum

DAKAR Monday, October 20, 2008 (IRIN) - Following a meeting between Mauritania’s junta leaders and the European Union in Paris, EU officials have given the military officials one month to show how they will restore constitutional order, or sanctions will take effect. Coup leaders – who have refused to release President Sidi Mohammed Cheikh Ould Abdallahi – and donors are entering their 10th week of a sanctions standoff. At stake is about US$500 million in development and military assistance....