Burundi

Statement to the Press by Ambassador Anwarul Karim Chowdhury, President of the Security Council on Burundi

Wednesday, 6 June 2001

Members of the Council reiterated their strong support for the Arusha Agreement as

the basis for the resolution of the conflict in Burundi and were united in the belief that

there is no military solution to the conflict. Armed groups should not pursue their

agenda through violent means.

Members of the Council endorsed the findings of the Security Council Mission to

Burundi, and repeated their call on the Forces for National Liberation (FNL) and

Forces for the Defence of Democracy (FDD) to enter into the Arusha Process and

refrain from any violent action.

Members of the Council called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, respect

human rights and international humanitarian law.

Members of the Council encouraged the dialogue between the government and the

rebels and call upon the countries in the region to use their influence to bring the

armed groups into the peace process.

Members of the Council noted the progress made in at the third regular session of the

Implementation Monitoring Committee in Arusha from 28 May to 4 June in

advancing the peace process.

Members of the Council re-iterated their full support for Arusha Facilitator Nelson

Mandela and the Regional initiative.