Mauritania to hold presidential vote in May

NOUAKCHOTT, Jan 5 (Reuters) - Mauritania will hold a presidential election in May, political leaders said on Monday.

The initial round of voting in the first elections to be held since last August's military coup will take place on May 30 said a report published after several days of meetings between country's military rulers, political parties, unions and civil society groups.

If needed, a second round run-off would take place on June 13, it said.

Members of the armed forces must give up their position in order to stand, Communication Minister Mohamed Abderrahmane Ould Moine told Reuters.

"A member of the military forces or a magistrate can be candidate at the presidential election if he quits his function before becoming a candidate," he said.

Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, whose junta overthrew the Sahelian Islamic state's first freely elected leader, has said he would abide by the decisions taken during the national consultation, and was expected to approve the dates at a closing ceremony on Tuesday.

Abdel Aziz had previously promised to hold elections, but had not given a date.

The European Union and United States have demanded that Abdel Aziz reinstate ousted President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi.

The EU has threatened individually targeted sanctions against Abdel Aziz and members of his military administration if they did not restore constitutional rule. The United States said in late December it would axe trade benefits for Mauritania from Jan. 1.

Last month, the junta released Abdallahi from house arrest, as part of negotiations to avoid sanctions. (Reporting by Vincent Fertey; Editing by Daniel Magnowski)