US plans to resume partnership with Niger, diplomat says

NIAMEY, Dec 13 (Reuters) - The United States intends to resume security and development cooperation with Niger provided it takes steps to restore democracy, a U.S. diplomat said on Wednesday after meeting the military leaders who took power in a coup in July.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee said she had met the top ministers in Niger's ruling military council - known as the CNSP - and encouraged them to announce a timeline for a swift transition back to democratic rule.

"In our discussions, I confirmed the intent of the United States to resume security and development cooperation in phases, reciprocally as the CNSP takes actions," Phee told a press conference in the Nigerien capital Niamey.