New York, US (PANA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday met with representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states, Mauritania, and the ECOWAS Commission to discuss the "complex" political crisis in Niger.
A statement issued by Mr. Matthew Miller, Spokesperson for the US Department of State, said Mr. Blinken thanked ECOWAS for leading efforts to bring about a solution that preserves constitutional order in Niger following the 26 July coup.
It said: "Partners were united in their position that the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP) in Niger must release President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and all those unlawfully detained."
The statement said Mr. Blinken outlined the steps the United States has taken to support ECOWAS pressure on the CNSP junta to restore democracy, including restricting more than $600 million in security and development assistance, and suspending Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compacts.
ECOWAS military chiefs in August declared the sub-region's standby force was ready to move into Niger to restore constitutional rule but added that all options, including the peaceful option, were still on the table.
-0- PANA MA 23Sept2023
