PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON BURUNDI

PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON BURUNDI

Following is the text of today's statement on Burundi by the President of the Security Council, Alfonso Valdivieso (Colombia).

Members of the Security Council reiterated support for the decisions adopted on 23 July by the Fifteenth Summit of the Regional Initiative on Burundi and for the efforts of the Arusha Facilitator, Nelson Mandela, and of Deputy President Zuma.

Members of the Council took note of the positive relationships that have developed between the political parties and encouraged them to continue to work together to install the transitional Government on 1 November.

Members of the Council called on the Government and the parties to ensure that the conditions necessary, including security protection, are put in place as soon as possible in order to facilitate the returned of exiled political leaders.

Members of the Council urged the Forces for National Liberation (FNL) and the Forces for the Defence of Democracy (FDD) to enter into negotiations for a cessation of hostilities without further delay.

Members of the Council remained deeply concerned at the humanitarian situation in Burundi and urged all parties to respect human rights and international humanitarian law, as well as to facilitate access by humanitarian personnel to populations in need.

Members of the Council called on countries of the region to use their collective and individual influence to help the parties advance positively in the peace process.

* *** *