The military leaders behind last week's coup in Mauritania have named a new prime minister.
State media Thursday identified the new prime minister as Moulaye Ould Mohamed Laghdaf, Mauritania's former ambassador to the European Union.
The state council running the country says Laghdaf will have the task of forming a transitional government.
About three-fourths of Mauritania's parliament has signed a declaration supporting the August 6 coup that overthrew President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi. The statement accuses the former president of obstructing the work of democratic institutions, and it asks the international community to support the coup.
Many countries including Mauritania's neighbor, Algeria, have condemned the coup and demanded restoration of the country's constitutional functions.
The military leaders adopted a law this week giving themselves presidential powers until elections are held.
Coup leader Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz has been meeting various parties since Tuesday. Officials said Wednesday that some of the parties have refused to participate in a new government.
Last week's coup took place after President Abdallahi announced the dismissal of top army officers.
Abdel Aziz has said the coup was necessary because the president mismanaged the economy and was lenient with terrorists.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
