SC/7176
AFR/343
17 October 2001

PRESS STATEMENT ON BURUNDI BY
PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

NEW YORK, 16 October (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the text of this evening’s statement on the situation in Burundi by the President of the Security Council, Richard Ryan (Ireland):

Members of the Security Council heard an update briefing by Under-Secretary-General Prendergast of the Department of Political Affairs regarding the situation in Burundi.

Members of the Security Council reiterated their strong support for the Facilitator, Former President Nelson Mandela.

Members of the Security Council welcomed the progress made at the Summit of the Regional Peace Initiative in Johannesburg on 11 October.

Members of the Security Council called on all the Burundian parties to avail of this unique opportunity and to implement the peace process in an inclusive manner.

Members of the Security Council also called on the Burundian parties to resolve the outstanding issues without delay so that the installation of the transitional government can proceed on 1 November.

Members of the Security Council stated their intention to continue to follow developments very closely.

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