Secretary-General ‘deeply concerned’ about recent developments in Burundi,

including reports of possible coup plot

 

The following statement was issued on 22 August by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about recent developments in Burundi, in particular the reports about a possible coup plot and the subsequent arrest of a number of individuals, including prominent political figures, between 31 July and 3 August, as well as the arrest of former President Domitien Ndayizeye yesterday.  The Secretary-General urges the Government of Burundi to pursue due process and respect the rights of the detained individuals in addressing this delicate issue.  He also calls on all the people of Burundi, and especially the political leaders and their parties, to work together to preserve the hard won peace and consolidate the fragile democracy in the country.

The Secretary-General also calls on the Government and the FNL (Forces Nationales de Libération) to expedite the conclusion of the ongoing negotiations on a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.  In this regard, he welcomes the planned convening of the twenty-fifth Summit of the Regional Initiative on Burundi on 29 August.

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For information media • not an official record