A senior US delegation yesterday met Nigeria's new military leader, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, for what US diplomats called "frank, friendly" talks on restoring democracy.
The team, led by the former US ambassador to Nigeria, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Mr Thomas Pickering, met Gen Abubakar for an hour yesterday morning at the Aso Rock presidential villa.
The meeting with Gen Abubakar was "very friendly," said a diplomat, who asked not to be named. "It was a frank, open and broad exchange of views," he said, adding: "We were very interested in hearing what they had to say."
In the closed-door meeting, the delegation, made up of Washington's top Africa specialists, stressed US support for a return to democracy, the release of remaining political prisoners, and a date for elections.
The US visit marks the first attempt by Washington to open a new chapter in relations with Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and the fifth largest oil supplier to the US.
Meanwhile, the state-run Daily Times reported on Monday that Gen Abubakar is considering setting up a 15-month transitional government to carry out the political reforms that will be necessary to make the country a real democracy.
The "usually reliable sources" cited by the official newspaper said the current regime "may be extended by 12 months as the head of state. . .unfolds his administration's agenda this week in his nationwide broadcast."
"The extension would allow the laying of a solid foundation for genuine democracy. . .the registration of new political parties and conduct of fresh elections," it added.
A senior US official said earlier yesterday the US had no reason to doubt that Abiola's death was due to natural causes, adding that the Nigerian authorities planned to do an autopsy in co-ordination with Abiola's private physician.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and untimely death of M.K.O. Abiola, a distinguished citizen and patriot of Nigeria," President Clinton said. "I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and to all of the people of Nigeria."
Mr Clinton also said he had been encouraged by the Nigerian government's efforts to move toward civilian democratic rule, adding: "I urge the government of Nigeria to continue and to expedite this transition."