Brussels, 21 November 2008: The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) have sent a letter to the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, insisting on the application of the sanctions against the military junta in power in Mauritania following the coup d’état on 6 August 2008.
ETUC and ITUC sound the alarm, noting that 20 November is the date set for the expiry of the ultimatum issued to the military officials in power in this country. The European and international trade union movement join the trade union organisations in Mauritania in calling for the application of the sanctions against the regime in Mauritania. The sanctions are to be applied until democracy has been restored, which must be as soon as possible. These sanctions must cover all EU aid and loans, including those in key sectors for trade with this country, as aid measures may contribute to keeping the junta in power.
The international trade union movement issues a pressing appeal to the high-level meeting to be held tomorrow, on 21 November, in Addis Abeba, between the European and African Union, to highlight the need for coherence in bilateral and multilateral policies. It is also essential that the solution adopted will lead to the suspension of bilateral aid from European Union countries to Mauritania, as well as this measure being extended to the multilateral institutions – the World Bank and African Development Bank in particular.
The letter from the ETUC and the ITUC addressed to Mr Louis Michel (FR)
For more information:
Patricia Grillo
Head of Press and Communications
Tel.: + 32 (0)2 224 04 30 – Cell phone: + 32 (0)477 77 01 64
E-mail: [email protected]
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) speaks with a single voice on behalf of the common interests of workers, at European level. Founded in 1973, it now represents 82 trade union organisations in 36 European countries, plus 12 industry-based federations.
The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates.
For more information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on the following numbers: +32 2 224 0204 or +32 476 621 018.
