Niger's Junta asks UN's top official to leave 'within 72 hours'

Niger's foreign ministry has said in a statement that the junta which that took control of Niger has asked the head of the United Nations diplomatic mission stationed there to leave the country within 72 hoursIn a statement dated October 10, France alleged that the U.N. had engaged in "underhanded maneuvers" to prevent Niger from fully participating in the recent U.N. General Assembly and other international gatherings.The coup that deposed the democratically elected president of Niger in July also expelled French troops and the ambassador.Meanwhile, the United States stated on October 10 that the July takeover in Niger was a military coup d'etat, effectively stopping aid to the country, but senior administration officials claimed there are no plans to reduce the US troop presence in the country.In Washington's battle against Islamist terrorists that have killed hundreds of people and displaced millions more, Niger has been a crucial ally.The junta's apparent unwillingness to follow constitutional requirements to restore civilian and democratic governance led to the decision, which restricts the support Washington can offer the nation, a senior official said.(With inputs from agencies)