S/PV.3485 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: “The Security Council continues to follow closely developments in Burundi. It is concerned about the escalation of violence in Burundi, both in Bujumbura and in the countryside, which threatens to further destabilize an already fragile situation and could endanger the stability of the subregion. It calls on all those concerned to refrain from violence. It supports fully the efforts of the Burundi authorities in seeking to ensure that those committing or inciting the commitment of acts of violence are held accountable for their actions and that the militias that are still operating both in Bujumbura and in the countryside are disarmed. “The Security Council encourages the Government, the National Assembly, the political parties and all others concerned in Burundi, and in particular the army, to respect and give support to the Convention of Government of 10 September 1994 and thus avoid jeopardizing the delicate balance and relative stability in place since its implementation. “The Security Council welcomes the continuing efforts being made to bring about further political progress in Burundi and underlines the importance of continuing to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue on the basis of the agreements reached thus far by the political parties. It urges all sides to reject confrontational tactics, violence or extremism, and to work towards compromise and conciliation in a spirit of national unity which transcends ethnic origins. “The Security Council commends the Secretary-General for his efforts and expresses appreciation for the work done by his Special Representative, and the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the High Commissioner for Refugees and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, for their efforts within their respective competences, to contribute to the resolution of the problems of Burundi. “The Security Council requests the Secretary- General to keep it fully informed of developments in Burundi. “The Council will remain actively seized of the matter. ” This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/1994/82. The Security Council has thus concluded the.present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The meeting rose at 11.05 a.m.