PRESS STATEMENT ON BURUNDI BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL
| Press Release AFR/370 SC/7270 |
AFR/370
SC/7270 15 January 2002
PRESS STATEMENT ON BURUNDI BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCILFollowing is the text of today’s press statement on Burundi by the President of the Security Council, Jagdish Koonjul (Mauritius):
Members of the Council welcomed the setting up of the transitional institutions in Burundi, in particular the National Assembly, and encouraged all the parties to complete this process.
Members of the Council strongly called for a ceasefire. They underlined that the ceasefire was the foremost priority. They urged the rebel groups to cease hostilities immediately and to enter into negotiations. They reiterated that there could be no justification whatsoever for any attacks by the rebel groups.
Members of the Council encouraged all States, in particular those in the region, to continue to support the efforts of the facilitation, led by President Bongo and Deputy President Zuma, to bring the armed groups into the peace process.
Members of the Council stressed the importance of the dialogue between Burundi and its neighbours, and in this regard, welcomed the improvement of the bilateral relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi, in particular the outcome of the recent visit of the Foreign Minister of Burundi to Kinshasa. Council Members strongly encouraged the Governments of the DRC and of Burundi to cooperate further together in this regard.
Members of the Council commended the South African protection unit for its positive contribution to the peace process in Burundi.
Members of the Council reiterated their call to the donor community to enhance humanitarian activities and development cooperation with Burundi, and to honour as soon as possible the commitments made during the round table on Burundi in Geneva in December 2001.
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