Global perspective Human stories

Burundi: Annan says failed coup attempt shows need for efforts to calm situation

Burundi: Annan says failed coup attempt shows need for efforts to calm situation

Kofi Annan speaks to press
Welcoming the end to yesterday's aborted coup attempt in Burundi, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said the incident served to highlight the need for efforts to bring calm to the country.

Speaking to reporters on his arrival at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Mr. Annan noted that had the coup succeeded, it would have further complicated the situation in Burundi, where some -- but not all -- rebel groups have committed to a peace agreement. "We are all relieved that it has not succeeded, but it also underscores the work we have to do to try and calm the situation in Burundi," he observed.

According to a UN spokesman, the last of the rebel soldiers who had seized the country's radio and TV station surrendered during the night. "Our staff on the ground reports that the atmosphere on the streets of the capital is calm and that no shots appeared to have been fired during the failed coup attempt," said spokesman Manoel de Almeida e Silva.