Broad participation in Burundi referendum shows support for peace, Security Council says

The very broad participation of Burundians in last month's referendum on the new constitution shows that they support the peace process in their post-conflict Great Lakes country, the United Nations Security Council said today.

In a statement read by the Council President for March, Brazilian Permanent Representative Ronaldo Mota Sardenberg, the Council called on "all Burundians to remain committed to the course of national reconciliation, for further steps remain to be taken."

It urged donors to contribute funds for free and fair local and national elections and encouraged the political leadership to work holding those polls expeditiously, Ambassador Sardenberg said.

In a new report to the Council, meanwhile, Secretary-General Kofi Annan says the achievements called for in Burundi's peace process, leading to elections and the demobilization of former combatants, continue to make progress, despite the impact of political tensions and the influence of "sectarian and individual interests."

The peaceful extension of the transitional phase, the preparations for elections, though now delayed, and the beginning of the demobilization, disarmament and reintegration (DDR) process have shown progress, he says.

"Key tasks must now be completed without delay," including approving an electoral code and communal law, choosing realistic dates for the electoral calendar and beginning the integration of former combatants into the nation's military and police sectors, Mr. Annan says in his third report on the work of the UN Operation in Burundi (ONUB).

Regional and international communities have played a central role in supporting the peace process, "often navigating through complex and delicate elements of the transition," he says.

"It is obvious that the sustainability of peace after the elections will require the same, if not an increased, level of regional and international engagement to provide assurances for all sectors of Burundian society," Mr. Annan says.

To lay the foundation for a lasting peace and national reconciliation, once a new government is installed it must tackle the culture of impunity, which had contributed to the conflict, he says.