The African Union also suspended the country following the 6 August coup.

BBC: Mauritania frees deposed leader

Valentin Varennikov of high treason for joining those trying to overthrow former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in an August 1991 coup attempt.

CNN: Tuesday,

As Mr Simes observes, the Bush administration would have been better prepared for the August 1991 coup, masterminded by Mr Kryuchkov, if it had taken notice of these signals.

ECONOMIST: Russia and America

In August 1991, Blitzer flew to Moscow shortly after the failed coup.

CNN: Anchors & Reporters

Meanwhile, Mr Chavez, a former paratroop officer and leader of a failed coup, is tightening his grip over the army: on August 10th he sacked its commander, amid reports of dissent among senior officers.

ECONOMIST: Venezuela