Security Council press statement on Burundi

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser ( Qatar):

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing by the acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Nureldin Satti, on the situation in Burundi and the upcoming end of the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB).

Members of the Security Council commended ONUB and the United Nations personnel for their commitment to peace and stability in the country and the invaluable support they have provided to the people and Government of Burundi in this regard.  They stressed the critical role that the United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB) and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) will play during the peace consolidation period in assisting Burundi, bearing in mind the importance of national ownership by the country, in its efforts towards long-term peace and stability.  They welcomed the holding of the second country-specific meeting of the PBC on 12 December 2006 and noted with appreciation the Chairman’s Summary issued after the meeting.

Members of the Security Council noted that, despite the progress made during ONUB’s mandate, many challenges remain for Burundi to achieve lasting peace and stability.

They called on the authorities and all political actors in Burundi to persevere in their dialogue on achieving stability and national reconciliation.

The members of the Security Council urged all parties to promote social harmony, the rule of law and respect for human rights in their country.  Theycalled upon the Burundian authorities to investigate thoroughly human rights violations and ensure those responsible for such violations are brought to justice.

Members of the Security Council reiterated the need for the parties to the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement signed in Dar es Salaam on 7 September 2006, in particular the Palipehutu-FNL, to proceed with its implementation without further delay.  They welcomed the continuing support by the South African Facilitation and the Regional Initiative for that process, and the African Union’s decision to establish an African Union Special Task Force to support the implementation of the Agreement after the withdrawal of ONUB.

Members of the Security Council encouraged donors and all international partners of Burundi to continue to work with the Burundian authorities to help them address the challenges of peace consolidation in the country.

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For information media • not an official record