U.S. Official Holds "Frank and Difficult" Talks in Niger

The U.S. Acting Deputy Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, announced that she traveled to Niamey, the capital of Niger, and held "frank and difficult" discussions with senior officials of the military council. Nuland revealed in a briefing to reporters that "during the meeting, the military council officials showed no interest in U.S. proposals aimed at restoring democratic order, and her request to meet ousted President Mohamed Bazoum was rejected." She added, "The U.S. side pointed out that there are vulnerable issues regarding economic assistance and other aid if the situation is not reversed." She noted that "the talks were very frank and at times very difficult, as we are again pushing for a negotiated solution. It has not been easy to gain momentum there. They are completely firm in their viewpoint on how they want to move forward, which does not align with Niger's constitution."