ADDIS ABABA, Oct 6, 2008 (AFP) - A delegation representing the military junta in Mauritania was expected in Addis Ababa late Monday for talks with the African Union, an official told AFP.

The junta that took power in the west African country two months ago had so far ignored an ultimatum set by the continental organisation for handing power back to deposed president Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi by October 6.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a high-ranking AU official in Addis Ababa, where the pan-African body is headquartered, said the delegation included eight representatives of the junta.

'The AU agreed to receive the delegation to hold consultations on the political crisis in Mauritania,' the official said.

The military regime led by General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz had derided as 'unrealistic' the decision announced by the AU two weeks ago to launch an ultimatum.

The official in Ethiopia said that during the planned meetings with the junta 'the AU would maintain and reiterate its position on the return of constitutional law in Mauritania.'

Abdallahi was the country's first democratically elected presient.

The African Union has threatened sanctions against Mauritania's new military leaders which officials say could take the shape of travel restrictions and asset freezes.