Posted on 07/24/2009 5:53:51 AM PDT by Loyalist
NIAMEY, July 23 (Reuters) - Niger's President Mamadou Tandja will not bow to foreign pressure or the threat of economic sanctions as he sticks to plans for a referendum on prolonging his rule, the head of the uranium-exporting nation said.
Tandja wants to hold an Aug. 4 vote on extending his final term which ends later this year. His plans have led to protests in Niger as well as criticism and aid cuts from donors abroad.
The latest rejection of his critics came a day after Tandja told senior diplomats from the United Nations, the African Union and West Africa's regional body ECOWAS, who visited Niamey to discuss the crisis, that he remained open to dialogue.
"We hear international opinion. But, while they want me to take a step back, I will never do it. No and no again!" Tandja told a news conference broadcast on state television late on Wednesday evening
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
racist!!!!!!!!
LOL!
Dear Keith Olberdork and Kos:
This article is about the President of Niger, just in case you misunderstand it.
Definitely an eye-catching title, though.
“the uranium-exporting nation”
I never read this adjective used to describe Nigeria when Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame were media heroes de jour.
oops, Niger/Nigeria late nite, no coffee yet, ignore prior post.
Is that the REAL rooters title? ROFLMFAO!
Have he and Hillary weighed in yet on the glory of Presidents for life?
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