Secretary-General welcomes signing of Burundi ceasefire agreement

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the signing of a Ceasefire Agreement between the Government of Burundi and the PALIPEHUTU-Forces nationales de libération (FNL) in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, on 7 September.  He expresses his appreciation for the efforts of the Regional Initiative for Peace in Burundi and the South African Facilitation, to help achieve this Agreement, which, it is hoped, will bring to an end 13 years of armed conflict in the country.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government and FNL to implement the Agreement expeditiously and in good faith.  Its successful implementation is vital for the consolidation of peace in Burundi and the overall stability of the Great Lakes region.  The Secretary-General urges both parties to continue working together in a spirit of cooperation to resolve all outstanding issues.

The United Nations stands ready to assist the parties in implementing the Agreement, in collaboration with other partners, and to continue to support all efforts to enhance good governance, including through the respect of human rights and establishment of the rule of law.

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For information media • not an official record