Burundi: Security Council calls for end of hostilities, start of good-faith talks

After hearing a briefing on the latest developments in Burundi, members of the United Nations Security Council today called for an immediate end to hostilities in the country and urged armed groups to commence negotiations “in good faith without delay.”

In a press statement issued by the Council's President for the month of March, Ambassador Ole Peter Kolby of Norway, Council members expressed support for facilitation efforts of the South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma and Gabon's President Omar Bongo and welcomed positive contributions made by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania.

The Council, which was briefed in a closed meeting by UN Under-Secretary-General Kieren Prendergast, also commended the excellent performance of the South African protection unit in the nations.

The statement also urged donors to increase their development assistance for the strife-torn country.