EU-Niger
EU foreign ministers agree on the process leading up to sanctions against the leaders of the military coup in Niger, according to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. “We condemn the military coup and call for the immediate release of the President of Niger. And a return to law and order,” Borrell said. The announcement came at a press conference after the meeting of EU countries’ foreign ministers on Thursday. Ministers had the opportunity to talk to Dr. Omar Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Niger’s Foreign Minister-in-exile, Hassoumi Massoudou, also attended the meeting. Touray explained at the meeting the ECOWAS position: “ECOWAS represents 15 Member States, including Niger. There has been an unconstitutional change of government in Niger. This goes against our values. Therefore, we have decided to take measures to stop the coup. We have explained our position and the support we want from our partners, the EU,” Touray said. /ritzau/