PRESS STATEMENT ON BURUNDI BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

PRESS STATEMENT ON BURUNDI BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

Following is today's press statement on Burundi by the President of the Security Council, Sergey Lavrov (Russian Federation):

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing from the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs on Burundi.

Members of the Security Council encourage cooperation between the Burundian parties in order to ensure the smooth running of transitional institutions and the resolution of pending issues.

Members of the Security Council strongly support the efforts of the Facilitation and Regional Initiative to expedite ceasefire negotiations.

Members of the Security Council call on all belligerents to cease hostilities immediately and urge the armed groups to enter into ceasefire negotiations without further delay with a view to concluding a ceasefire agreement.

Members of the Security Council commend the South African troops for their important contribution to the effort to help bring comprehensive peace to Burundi and encourage them to continue their mission in Burundi.

Members of the Security Council commend the work of the Tripartite Commission to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of refugees at a measured pace to ensure the safety of returning refugees.  They call on the international community to support the process in the framework of the Arusha Agreement.

Members of the Security Council urge the donor community to increase economic, humanitarian and development assistance to Burundi.

Members of the Security Council call upon all parties to cooperate fully with the Security Council mission to the Great Lakes region.

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