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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
April 16, 1999

Developments in Niger

On April 13, Niger's Council of National Reconciliation (CRN) announced a specific timetable for the conduct of legislative and presidential elections and the inauguration of a civilian President. Presidential elections are now scheduled to take place in November of 1999 with a new government to take office on January 1, 2000. While we deplore the violent overthrow of the Nigerien Government, the announcement of a definite date for popular elections is encouraging. We will watch the CRN's actions closely to assess the commitment of the military authorities to abide by the rule of law and return to a civilian, democratic government. We urge the Nigerien authorities to take concrete steps to fulfill their promises and urge all sectors of Nigerien society to work together to implement a credible transition to democratic rule.

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