18/08/2008
In a broadcast address Sunday (August 17th), Mauritanian military junta leader Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz called the democratic system his country's "most precious" achievement and reiterated his promise to hold "free and transparent" elections as soon as possible, AMI reported. According to Abdelaziz, the High State Council's objectives include fighting legislative and judicial corruption, reforming the educational system, encouraging the participation of women in national development, combating terrorism "in all its forms" and "eliminating its causes" to guarantee stability in Mauritania. Mauritania also plans to promote diplomacy that "presents an honourable and dignified image of our country", Abdelaziz said.