Ban urges restraint, dialogue following Bolivia violence

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his deep concern about the loss of life resulting from violent clashes in Bolivia, as well as attempts to disrupt the nation's economic infrastructure, calling for dialogue to resolve any grievances.

“He urges all concerned to act with restraint and to prevent any further confrontation,” his spokesperson said in a statement, adding that Mr. Ban “rejects the use of violence as a means to advance political ends.”

Media reports say recent anti-government protests related to the country's gas revenues have killed at least eight people and injured 20.

The Secretary-General joined others including the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, José Miguel Insulza, and Bolivia's Conference of Catholic Bishops in appealing for urgent dialogue to seek consensus on the “pressing issues affecting the Bolivian people,” the statement said.

“The United Nations stands ready to provide any assistance Bolivians may require in engaging in such a dialogue,” it added.