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Burundi: Secretary-General concerned about reports of coup attempt, arrests

Burundi: Secretary-General concerned about reports of coup attempt, arrests

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Secretary-General Kofi Annan has expressed deep concern about reports of a possible coup attempt in Burundi and the subsequent arrests of several prominent politicians.

Citing reports of those arrests between 31 July and 3 August, as well as the imprisonment of former President Domitien Ndayizeye two days ago, Mr. Annan’s spokesman issued a statement yesterday in which the Secretary-General urged the Government of the small African country to “pursue due process and respect the rights of the detained individuals in addressing this delicate issue.”

He also called on the people of Burundi, especially the political leaders and their parties, to “work together to preserve the hard won peace and consolidate the fragile democracy in the country.”

He further called on the Government and the National Liberation Forces (FNL) to negotiate a comprehensive ceasefire agreement as soon as possible. The FNL, the last remaining major rebel hold-out from a four-year transition process, signed a preliminary agreement with the Government in June.

Last month, citing “factors of instability,” the Security Council extended the mandate of the UN Operation in Burundi, known by its French acronym ONUB, through the end of the year. The mission was established in May 2004 as Burundi emerged from 12 years of civil war between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority.