PRESS STATEMENT ON BURUNDI BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

PRESS STATEMENT ON BURUNDI BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

Following is today’s press statement on Burundi by the President of the Security Council, Mikhail Wehbe (Syria):

The Members of the Security Council:

encourage the facilitation, Tanzania and the region to continue efforts aimed at helping the belligerents in Burundi reach a ceasefire agreement;

urge the armed groups to cooperate with regional efforts by engaging in serious negotiations leading to a cessation of hostilities/ceasefire;

express appreciation to South Africa for providing the protecting unit for exiled leaders returning to Burundi to take part in the transitional Government, and welcome the decision of the South African Government to extend such support;

remind the parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, condemn and call for an immediate end to all attacks against civilians and urge the belligerents to observe days of tranquility to allow humanitarian agencies to carry out activities in the field;

encourage the Government to pursue constructive dialogue within the transitional institutions and with civil society;

urge the donor community to provide immediate economic and development assistance to Burundi, including non-project aid.

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