Stockholm, July 23, SPA -- July 23 , SPA --The recent presidential elections in Mauritania were "a crucial part" in efforts to restore constitutional order in the north-west African state, the European Union said Thursday, according to dpa. The elections Saturday were won by former military leader MohammedOuld Abdel Aziz, who in August 2008 ousted the former president in abloodless coup. Citing international monitors, the EU said it appeared "theelections have taken place in a calm atmosphere, without majorincidents" but said it was waiting for the "final certification." The statement issued by Sweden, current holder of the rotating EUpresidency, said "allegations of electoral fraud should be properlyinvestigated and decided upon by the competent Mauritanianinstitutions in accordance with national law and internationalstandards." The EU urged that the "inclusive national dialogue" shouldcontinue, which would help pave the way for normalizing ties betweenMauritania and the bloc.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/686995