Ban urges dialogue to ease tensions ahead of constitutional referendum in Republic of Congo

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Ban urges dialogue to ease tensions ahead of constitutional referendum in Republic of Congo

UN News
By: 
UN Photo/Martine Perret (file)
UN Photo/Martine Perret (file)
UN Photo/Martine Perret (file)

Concerned about tensions between opposition parties and the Government of the Republic of the Congo ahead of the referendum on a new draft constitution in the country, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has encouraged all stakeholders to choose the path of dialogue and to peacefully resolve any disputes that might arise.

statement released yesterday evening by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson stressed his concerns about tensions between the Congo Government and the opposition ahead of the 25 October referendum. “Reports of recent violence are particularly worrying,” noted the statement.

“The Secretary-General encourages all stakeholders to choose the path of inclusive political dialogue ahead of the referendum, and to resolve peacefully any dispute that may arise from this exercise,” the statement said.

The UN chief in the statement also called on the authorities in the Republic of Congo to safeguard the right to peaceful demonstration.

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