Permanent Representative to the UN, New York Abderrahim Ould Hadrami of Mauritania

Ould Hadrami said last month's coup was supported by two-thirds of parliamentary members, about 90 per cent of the country's mayors and two-thirds of the recognized political parties, as well as numerous civil society groups.

Mr Hadrami said the new regime would seek to build bridges with the international community, beginning with diplomatic efforts to gain approval from AU members.