SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS ACTIONS THAT LED TO OVERTHROW OF CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER IN BURUNDI

29 July 1996

Press Release
SC/6248

SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS ACTIONS THAT LED TO OVERTHROW OF CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER IN BURUNDI

19960729 Presidential Statement Calls on Burundian Parties To Halt All Violence and Engage in National Reconciliation Efforts

The Security Council this evening condemned the actions that led to the overthrow of constitutional order in Burundi and urged the country's military leaders to restore constitutional government and processes, including continuation of the elected National Assembly and civil institutions, and respect for human rights.

Through a statement read out by its President, Alain Dejammet (France), the Council called on all Burundian parties and leaders to halt all violence and engage immediately in efforts to achieve national reconciliation. It stressed their responsibility to protect the lives of all persons -- including President Sylvestre Ntibantunganya and Prime Minister Antoine Nduwayo -- and said it expected them to maintain democratic institutions and enter into negotiations to peacefully resolve the crisis.

The Council stressed that the present situation required utmost restraint, and called on all concerned to refrain from any actions and statements which could further escalate the crisis. It called on all Burundian leaders to respect the Constitution and the will of the people. It also reiterated its support for regional mediation efforts, including those of Julius Nyerere, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

The full text of the statement, to be issued as document S/PRST/1996/32, reads as follows:

"The Security Council regrets that both civilian and military leaders of Burundi did not resolve their differences through established constitutional mechanisms and condemns the actions that led to the overthrow of constitutional order in Burundi.

* Page 1 of Press Release SC/6247, dated 27 July, should have been dated 26 July.

Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6248 3684th Meeting (Night) 29 July 1996

"The Security Council calls upon all Burundian leaders to respect the Burundi constitution and the will of the people of the country. The Council urges the military leaders of Burundi to restore constitutional government and processes, including the continuation of the elected National Assembly and civil institutions and respect for human rights. The Council stresses that the present situation in Burundi requires utmost restrain and calls upon all concerned to refrain from any actions and statements which could provoke further escalation of the crisis.

"The Security Council calls upon all Burundian parties and leaders to halt all violence and engage immediately in concerted efforts to achieve a lasting national settlement and reconciliation. The Council stresses their responsibility to protect the lives of all persons, including President Ntibantunganya, Prime Minister Nduwayo and members of their government, and expects them to maintain democratic institutions and to enter into negotiations for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

"The Security Council reiterates its full support for regional mediation efforts, including those of former President Nyerere and the Organization of African Unity."

"The Security Council will remain actively seized of the matter."

At the outset of the meeting, Mr. Dejammet (France) conveyed the Council's condolences to the Government and people of the United States for the tragedy caused by the bombing which took place at the Olympic Games in Atlanta on Saturday, 27 July.

The meeting, which was called to order at 6:37 p.m., was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.

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