UPDATE- UN chief condemns coup attempt in Niger, expresses full support to president

ADDS SECRETARY GENERAL'S CALL WITH NIGERIEN PRESIDENT, REVISES HEADLINE

By Betul Yuruk

UNITED NATIONS (AA) - UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned an attempted coup Wednesday by members of the military in Niger.

The Nigerien presidency confirmed that a coup attempt was carried out Wednesday morning by soldiers who sealed access to the official residence of President Mohamed Bazoum.

''The Secretary-General is following closely the situation in Niger,'' his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters. ''He condemns in the strongest terms any effort to seize power by force and to undermine democratic governance, peace and stability in Niger.''

Guterres urged all actors involved to exercise restraint and ensure the protection of constitutional order, said Dujarric.

Guterres spoke with Bazoum and expressed his full support and solidarity to the president.

Bazoum and his family are reported to be in good health, according to the Nigerien presidency.

Niger, a landlocked West African nation, has a tumultuous history with coups. It has faced various coups and coup attempts since gaining independence from France in 1960.