France late on Wednesday called for democracy and the "legal institutional framework" to be respected in oil-rich Mauritania after troops seized power in the northwest African country. "Or else. Pretty please?" | The military coup happened while Mauritanian President Maaouyia Ould Taya was in Saudi Arabia for the funeral of King Fahd. France is following the situation "with concern", a statement by the foreign ministry spokesman said.Concern, with a side of apprehension. And a quick riffle thru the talking points to see if this can be blamed on neocons. | France "recalls its position of principle which condemns any seizure of power by force and calls for respect of democracy and of the legal institutional framework", the statement said.Horse. Barn door. Note to professional handwringers: Stagers of coups rarely respect the "legal institutional framework." Until it's time for the trial, at any rate. |
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