The European Union (EU) on Thursday called on all political players to engage in dialogue and resolve the current Niger political crisis in a peaceful manner.

"EU is gravely concerned at recent political developments in Niger and welcomes the efforts made by the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to ensure a democratic outcome in Niger," said a declaration by the Swedish Presidency on behalf of EU on the political situation of Niger.

The declaration called on the Niger authorities to act responsibly and not to undermine their country's democratic achievements. It also said EU is highly committed to the maintenance of stability in Niger and to respect for democratic values and the rule of law, which are an essential feature of the Cotonou Agreement.

Niger's President Mamadou Tandja on Monday reshuffled the government and dismissed the Constitutional Court following the dissolution of National Assembly in late May.

Tandja took office in November 1999 and was reelected in 2004. In a bid to retain presidency, Tandja, whose legal term limit ends in December, proposed a referendum in April to amend the Constitution but was turned down by the Constitutional Court.

Source: Xinhua