Mauritanian minister resigns as internet restored post-vote

NOUAKCHOTT, June 28 (MENA) - Mauritania's government spokesman has stepped down after defending a three-day communications blackout imposed during three days of post-election unrest, France 24 quoted sources as saying Friday as fixed internet in the country was restored.

Sidi Mohamed Ould Maham, also the minister of culture, handed in his resignation Thursday, ministry sources said, shortly after he gave a press conference describing the restriction as "preventive", and promising "the internet will be restored as soon as the reasons for its disconnection disappear."

Neither the minister nor the government provided reasons for Ould Maham's departure.