SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES RETURN HOME OF BURUNDI REBEL LEADER

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the return to Burundi of the Chairman of the Palipehutu-FNL, Agathon Rwasa.  This significant development follows a number of positive steps in the Burundi peace process, including the 26 May Joint Declaration on the cessation of hostilities between the Government of Burundi and Palipehutu-FNL.

The Secretary-General urges Palipehutu-FNL and the Government of Burundi to seize this opportunity to finally end long-standing conflict in Burundi.  He urges them to stay the course and implement the agreements reached between them without delay.

The Secretary-General appreciates the critical role played by the leaders of the Regional Peace Initiative for Burundi, the South African Facilitation and the Political Directorate and encourages them to continue their assistance to the parties.

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For information media • not an official record