UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Top UN envoy to West Africa Said Djinnit has called for an immediate return to constitutional rule in Mauritania, according to a press release posted on the UN website on Tuesday.

    Djinnit, special representative of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, made the call after wrapping up a three-day visit to the country, during which he held talks with General Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz, the new head of the High State Council of Mauritania.

    The UN envoy, during the talks, voiced his regret over the Aug.6 coup and said the international community has unanimously condemned the move.

    He also urged the current authorities to respect international obligations and called for the release of President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi, who remains under arrest since the coup.

    The Mauritanian military staged a coup last Wednesday in the capital of Nouakchott, arresting the president and Prime Minister Yahya Ould Ahmed Waghf.