ECOSOC United Nations Economic and Social Counci : Welcoming Resumption of Burundi Talks, Secretary-General Urges All Political Parties to Work towards Peace, National Reconciliation

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the resumption of the dialogue between Burundian stakeholders in Entebbe, Uganda, on 28 December. The Secretary-General's Special Adviser Jamal Benomar attended the opening ceremony and consulted with regional leaders on how the United Nations can further support their efforts to help restore peace and stability in the country, pursuant to Security Council resolution 2248 (2015).

The Secretary-General commends President Museveni, the East African Community Facilitator, for his sustained commitment to helping the parties find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Burundi. He urges them to engage constructively in this critical process in order to address the deep political challenges facing the country.

The Secretary-General reiterates his appeal to all Burundian political leaders to demonstrate the highest sense of responsibility and place peace and national reconciliation above partisan interests. The current crisis can only be resolved through a credible and inclusive political dialogue based on respect for the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and the Constitution of Burundi.

The Secretary-General commends the determination of the African Union Peace and Security Council, as well as the African Union Commission, to support the Government and people of Burundi in this difficult period, including through authorizing the deployment of the African Prevention and Protection Mission in Burundi (MAPROBU). He welcomes all efforts by Burundi's partners to help defuse tensions and bring about a sustainable political solution to the current crisis.