APA-Niamey (Niger) Consultations have come against a stumbling block about the determination of the venue of the nexts steps of the dialogue between the government and the opposition in the context of mediation initiated by former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdul Salami Abubakar, appointed by the ECOWAS to resolve the crisis arising from the adoption of a new constitution in Niger, APA learns Friday from corroborating sources.

The ECOWAS mediator who arrived in Niamey on Tuesday has multiplied closed-door meetings with the different social, religious and political stakeholders of Niger, in the wake of his discussions in Abuja with supporters of President Mamadou Tandja and officials of the Niger opposition.

"We were welcomed again in Niamey by the mediator (...) But there is a sticking point about where to continue the next talks ", Mohamed Bazoum, Vice-President the PNDS, the main opposition party told the press.

"Our conversation was not very conclusive ; it covered a number of issues, but our preference (note : for talks) is not Niamey, because we have some leaders who would not feel safe in Niamey”, he added, alluding to Mahamane Ousmane and Hama Amadou, respectively former Speaker of Parliament and former Prime Minister, who are under international arrest warrants, issued by the Niger authorities.

The Vice-president of PNDS asserted that those leaders, who are currently abroad, “are key players in these talks”. But he admitted that the Mediator could choose a venue he thinks is best suited ; we are not here to make unsolvable proposals.”