Secretary-General strongly condemns renewed violence in Burundi;

 

Urges parties to resume dialogue, conclude peace process

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the heavy exchange of fire between the National Defense Forces of Burundi and the Palipehutu-FNL on 17 and 18 April in Bujumbura and its environs.  He deeply regrets the loss of life resulting from this renewed violence.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns this armed confrontation, which inflicts unnecessary suffering on the civilian population and jeopardizes the implementation of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement.

The Secretary-General calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.  He calls upon the Government and the Palipehutu-FNL immediately to take the steps agreed upon in the Facilitator’s Programme of Action.  He urges the Parties, supported by the Regional Initiative, the Facilitation and the Political Directorate, to resume dialogue and conclude the peace process for the benefit of all the people of Burundi.

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For information media • not an official record