EU welcomes Mauritania transitional government

(BRUSSELS) - The European Union welcomed on Saturday the appointment of a transitional government in Mauritania as a key step toward a resolution of the political crisis sparked by last year's coup.

The European Commission -- the EU's executive arm -- applauded the decision of former president Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi, who was ousted in the coup, to sign the decree that approved the transitional administration on Friday.

"I welcome the decision of president Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi who, in the interest of the country and to limit the negative consequences on the Mauritanian people, has named a new transitional government," said Louis Michel, the European Commissioner for development and humanitarian aid.

Michel cheered the "spirit of compromise and flexibility" shown by all parties and said in a statement he hoped the arrangement will "put an end to this long period of extra-constitutional management of the country."

Ould Cheikh Abdallahi resigned on Friday and signed a decree appointing a transitional government of national unity tasked with preparing presidential elections scheduled for July 18.

The deal represents "a fundamental step toward a solution to the serious crisis triggered by the coup d'etat in August 2008," the Commission said.