Statement / by the President of the Security Council

Statement [on the item entitled "The situation in Burundi"]
Statement made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4068th meeting, 12 Nov. 1999, in connection with prior consultations held among Council members on the item entitled "The situation in Burundi" / President, Security Council

The Security Council notes with concern the recent outbreaks of violence in Burundi and the delays in the peace process; it calls on all parties to put an end to this violence and pursue negotiations towards the peaceful resolution of Burundi's ongoing crisis; the Council firmly believes that the process chaired by the late Mwalimu Nyerere offers the best hope for peace in Burundi and should be the foundation for all-party talks leading to the conclusion of a peace agreement; the States of the region, in close consultation with the UN, need to act quickly to appoint a new mediation team that is acceptable to the Burundian parties to the negotiations; the Council condemns the murder of UN personnel in Burundi in Oct. and calls on the Government to undertake and cooperate with investigations, and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice; the Council urges all parties to ensure the safe and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to those in need in Burundi and to guarantee fully the security and freedom of movement of UN and humanitarian personnel; the Council calls on States of the region to ensure the neutrality and civilian character of refugee camps and to prevent the use of their territory by armed insurgents; it also calls on the Government of Burundi to halt the policy of forced regroupment and to allow the affected people to return to their homes, with full and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the process.

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Statement made on behalf of the Security Council, 4068th meeting, 12 Nov. 1999.