Washington: Niger`s return to constitutional and democratic rule marks a historic moment, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said.
"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I offer my deepest congratulations to the people of the Republic of Niger on the inauguration of your newly-elected President and Parliament," Hillary said in a statement.
"This historic moment marks Niger`s return to constitutional and democratic rule. The people of Niger exercised their right to choose their government in a free and fair election," she said.
President Mahamadou Issoufou and all Members of Parliament now have the opportunity to strengthen Niger`s democratic institutions, protect the rights of its people, and expand the tenets of democracy to benefit all of Niger`s citizens, she added.
Hillary said the US is committed to Niger`s future. "We look forward to working with those leaders who promote democratic principles to advance the well-being, development, and security of the Nigerien people," she said.
PTI
