Brussels - The European Union on Wednesday sent a further warning to the leaders of August's coup in Mauritania, indicating that the bloc could take unspecified action if democratic rule is not restored.

Such measures could include a suspension of non-humanitarian aid, officials in Brussels said.

The EU "reiterates its readiness to play an active part in resolving the crisis by means of dialogue. It will draw the appropriate conclusions from any failure by the junta to show signs of its willingness to restore democracy at the earliest opportunity," a statement on behalf of the bloc said.

"All of the measures taken by the military leaders who have seized power in Mauritania, in particular the deposing of the President of the Republic, constitute a flagrant breach of the Mauritanian constitution," the statement from the French government, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, says.

The August 6 coup which ousted President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi has been a rude blow to the EU, which had hailed his election in 2007 as an example to Africa of the EU-brokered restoration of democracy after years of dictatorship.

However, the Russian-Georgia war which broke out on August 7 has largely eclipsed the Mauritanian problem.

On Monday EU foreign ministers are set to meet in Brussels. Diplomatic sources say that the Mauritanian crisis is not on their agenda, although it is expected to be raised at a meeting with African Union officials on Tuesday. (dpa)