U.S. says Niger junta faces choice on democracy

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States wants Niger's new military junta to act quickly on pledges to restore democracy, saying sanctions could be lifted following moves to establish civilian rule, the top U.S. diplomat for West Africa said on Friday.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State William Fitzgerald said Thursday's coup against President Mamadou Tandja could launch a democratic restoration in the poor West African nation, which saw most aid frozen and sanctions imposed last year after Tanjda acted to extend his rule.

"The U.S. position is clear: they have got to show as soon as possible that they are genuinely seeking to restore the constitution and to move to a return to democratic and civilian rule," Fitzgerald said in an interview.

"In this case, we have incentives for them."

Troops seized power and captured Tandja on Thursday in a coup that left three dead, setting up what they called the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy.

But junta leader Salou Djibo, in his first public appearance on Friday, promised only to begin discussions soon with ministry officials on setting priorities.

The African Union and regional group ECOWAS have condemned the takeover, but there were few kind words for Tanjda, who had been criticized for constitutional reforms in 2009 that extended his rule and broadened his powers.

The United States, the European Union and regional countries all imposed sanctions on Niger and members of Tanjda's government late last year, while the United States halted some $30 million in annual development aid to the country, a major uranium producer.

INCENTIVES FOR PROGRESS

Fitzgerald said the junta chiefs could see sanctions dropped if they take quick action to restore democracy such as convening talks with opposition leaders, establishing a civilian-led transitional government and inviting international observers to monitor election preparations.

"There are clear steps to take to show that, in fact, they are genuinely supporting a return to democratic and civilian rule, and that's what we want to see," he said.

He said delays could spell tougher sanctions against Niger and its new leadership, imposed both by the United States and by its West African neighbors.

Niger faces severe food shortages this year due to a dive in grain production. But it has also drawn billions of dollars in investment from international companies, including French nuclear giant Areva and the China National Petroleum Corp, which are looking to tap into uranium and oil reserves, respectively.

Fitzgerald said one hopeful sign was the fact that several leaders of the current junta were veterans of a 1999 coup that led to democratic elections that brought Tandja to power.

"These guys have shown that, number one, they can carry out a coup and, number two, they are willing to give up power and allow for a transition to civilian rule," he said, adding he hoped the process would repeat itself this time.

(Editing by Peter Cooney)