Mauritanian pro-junta MPs set up commission to organise political dialogue

MPs supporting the 6 August coup in Mauritania have set up a commission to start a dialogue with the parties opposed to the junt a in a bid to find a solution to end the crisis, independent MP Mohamed Ali Chérif told said Thursday. The parliamentary commission is expected, among other things, to discuss with the National Front for the Defence of Democracy (FNDD), an alliance of political parties and the main opposition Democratic Forces’ Rally (RFD). A High State Council (HCE), led by General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, took power 6 August after toppling President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi, who was elected 25 March 2007 at the end of a second round of polls whose conduct was unanimously hailed by national and foreign observers.