SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES PEOPLE OF BURUNDI ON ELECTION OF FIRST POST-TRANSITIONAL PRESIDENT

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES PEOPLE OF BURUNDI ON ELECTION

OF FIRST POST-TRANSITIONAL PRESIDENT

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General congratulates the Burundian people on the election today of the first post-transitional President in Burundi, Mr. Pierre Nkurunziza.  He would like to wish the President-elect every success as he faces the challenging tasks ahead, including continuing on the path of major reforms, consolidation of peace, national reconciliation, reconstruction and development.

The Secretary-General would like to express his sincere appreciation to the Transitional Government of Burundi, which, under the wise leadership of both Presidents Pierre Buyoya and Domitien Ndayizeye has succeeded over the last four years under difficult conditions in stirring the country from violent conflict to this momentous day in the history of Burundi. 

The Secretary-General would also like to express his appreciation to regional leaders and the international community, who have continued to play a major role in support of peace in Burundi.

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For information media • not an official record