UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has condemned the military coup that took place in Niger on Thursday and called for a peaceful solution to the countrys political and constitutional crisis. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, the UN chief reiterates his disapproval of unconstitutional changes of govt, as well as attempts to remain in power through unconstitutional means. Ban noted the declaration by the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy, which the media says seized control of government during a gun battle in the capital Niamey, to restore constitutional order. The Secretary-General appealed for calm and for the respect of the rule of law and of the human rights of all Nigeriens, and stressed the UN stands ready to support initiatives aimed at peacefully resolving Nigers political and constitutional crisis. Through the efforts of the Secretary-General Special Representative for West Africa Said Djinnit, the UN is working closely with its partners, including Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), to help resolve the crisis.