WASHINGTON, Jan 6 (Reuters) - The United States suspended aid to Guinea on Monday and again urged the West African country's new military junta to hold elections.

"The United States remains concerned about the military coup in Guinea," State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said in a statement. "We reiterate our call for a return to civilian rule and the holding of free, fair and transparent elections as soon as possible."

McCormack announced that the United States was suspending all aid to Guinea, except humanitarian assistance.

Led by a little known army officer, a group of mostly young officers seized power in a bloodless coup following the death late last month of long-time President Lansana Conte.

Before Conte's death, Guinea had been preparing for legislative elections early this year. But there has been little internal opposition to the military takeover.

The United States and European Union, major donors who have spent tens of millions of dollars on aid projects to help Guinea's mostly impoverished population, have demanded the restoration of constitutional order and civilian rule. (Writing by JoAnne Allen; Editing by Patricia Zengerle)

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