Brussels. August 4. INTERFAX - French authorities on Friday said they refuse to recognize the decision of Niger's military to denounce military agreements with Paris, Western media reported.
"The legal framework of the French defense agreement with Niger is based on agreements concluded by the legitimate authorities of Niger," the media quoted excerpts from a statement by the French Foreign Ministry.
They stressed that only the legitimate head of the country could cancel the bilateral military agreements. The Foreign Ministry said that the deposed government of President Mohamed Bazoum was "the only one that France and the entire international community recognize."
At the same time, Paris added that they "took note" of the statement of the Niger rebels on military cooperation.
Earlier on Friday it was reported that the military, who overthrew the president, announced the denunciation of several military agreements with France.
Meanwhile, approximately 1.5 thousand French soldiers remain in Niger, who, together with the army of this African country, are involved in the fight against jihadists. The French General Staff noted that the evacuation of French servicemen stationed in Niger is not currently being considered.
On July 26, it became known that some of the employees of the Presidential Guard of Niger opposed President Bazuma, who was captured and removed from power. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Niger stated that the military command supported the fighters of the Presidential Guard who opposed Bazum. Army General Abdurakhman Tchiani was announced as the new leader of the country.
The United States, France, the EU, the African Union, and ECOWAS condemned the military coup. However, he was supported by Mali and Burkina Faso: these two countries warned that they would perceive any foreign military intervention in Niger as a declaration of war against them.
