Ex-Mauritanian prime minister under house arrest

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania -- The prime minister ousted in Mauritania's recent coup is being held in his native village under house arrest, police and a relative said Friday.

Supporters of Yahya Ould Ahmed Waqef said he was taken hostage during the Aug. 6 coup but had been free for about 10 days when he was arrested Thursday as he tried to attend a demonstration against the coup leaders.

His brother, Ahmed Ould Ahmed Waqef, said the former prime minister is under armed guard in the village of Achram, 340 miles (550 kilometers) east of the capital.

A police official confirmed Friday that he had been transferred to Achram. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not an authorized spokesman.

France's Foreign Ministry said Friday that the Waqef's arrest was "unacceptable," and that he should be released immediately and unconditionally.

France also is urging the release of deposed president Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi, who has been under house arrest since the army generals' takeover.

The ministry said the French ambassador in Nouakchott spoke with Abdallahi on Thursday.

The statement says France supports a proposal by European Union Development Commissioner Louis Michel for talks that could result in the suspension of EU aid for Mauritania.

France is the former colonial ruler of Mauritania, which became independent in 1960.

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