Niger hits back over suspension

Niamey, 21 Oct-(ANA)-Niger has accused West Africa's trade bloc Ecowas of misunderstanding the situation in the country a day after the group suspended the country’s membership.

Niger was suspended after President Mamadou Tandja pressed ahead with a parliamentary vote which was boycotted by the opposition.

The election came after months of political turmoil sparked by Mr Tandja's attempts to stay in power for a third term.

He dissolved parliament and the constitutional court earlier this year when they refused to allow him to change the constitution.

The Economic Community of West African States had warned the 71-year-old president to delay the election or face "full sanctions". (ANA)

FA/ANA/21 October 2009---