Security Council

5876^th Meeting* (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL, SERIOUSLY CONCERNED AT RECENT ATTACKS, LOSS OF LIVES IN BURUNDI,

WOULD CONSIDER POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO SUPPORT PEACE, STABILITY THERE

The Security Council this evening expressed its serious concern at the recent confrontations in Burundi between the National Defence Forces and the Palepehutu-FNL, and the resulting loss of lives.

In a presidential statement read out by Council President Dumisani S. Kumalo of South Africa, the Council called on both parties to resume their dialogue to overcome the obstacles that hindered the implementation of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement and delayed the conclusion of the peace process.

The Council requested the Secretary-General to play a robust political role in support of the peace process and to keep the Council closely informed of developments in Burundi, including in the context of his reports to the Council on the United Nations Integrated Office (BINUB).

Also in its statement, the Council stressed that any attempt to jeopardize peace in Burundi through violent means was unacceptable, and expressed its intention to consider possible additional measures, as appropriate, in support of peace and stability in that country.

The meeting started at 5:45 p.m. and was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

Presidential Statement

Presidential statement S/PRST/2008/10 reads as follows:

“The Security Council expresses its serious concern at the recent confrontations between the Palipehutu-FNL and the National Defence Forces of Burundi, following attacks by the Palipehutu-FNL, and the resulting loss of lives.

“The Security Council condemns the use of violence, and calls again on the two parties to scrupulously respect the ceasefire concluded on 7 September 2006.  It urges the Palipehutu-FNL to return immediately and without preconditions to the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism and calls on both parties to resume their dialogue to overcome the obstacles that hinder the implementation of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement and delay the conclusion of the peace process in Burundi.

“The Security Council reiterates its support for the Regional Initiative, the South-African Facilitation and other partners of Burundi, and encourages them to sustain their commitment to bring the parties to overcome the current crisis and implement the Programme of Action adopted in Cape Town on 22 and 23 February 2008.  It supports a proactive role of the Political Directorate in that regard.

“The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to play a robust political role in support of the peace process and to keep the Council closely informed of developments in Burundi, including in the context of his reports to the Security Council on the United Nations Integrated Office (BINUB).

“The Security Council stresses that any attempt to jeopardize peace in Burundi through violent means is unacceptable, and expresses its intention to consider possible additional measures, as appropriate, in support of peace and stability in Burundi.”

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*     The 5875^th Meeting was closed.

For information media • not an official record