Security Council urges rejection of confrontation, violence, extremism.

Concerned about the escalating violence in Burundi, the Security Council on 22 December urged all sides to reject confrontational tactics, violence or extremism, and to work towards compromise and conciliation in a spirit of national unity which transcended ethnic orgins.

In a statement by Council President Manzi Bakuramutsa of Rwanda, it expressed concern over the escalation of violence in Burundi which threatened to further destabilize an already fragile situation and could endanger the subregion's stability. It supported efforts by Burundi authorities to ensure that those committing or inciting the commitment of acts of violence were held accountable and that the militias still operating in Bujumbura and in the countryside were disarmed.

The Council encouraged the Government, the National Assembly, the political parties and all others concerned, in particular the army, to respect and support the 10 September 1994 Convention of Government and thus avoid jeopardizing the balance and relative stability in place since its implementation. It welcomed efforts towards further political progress in Burundi and underlined the importance of continuing to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue on the basis of agreements reached thus far by the political parties.

Threat deplored

On 21 October, the Council deplored the fact that extremist elements continued to threaten national reconciliation in Burundi, including through the operation of a clandestine radio station inciting ethnic hatred and violence.

In a statement by its President, Sir David Hannay of the United Kingdom, the Council welcomed the election and the swearing in of Burundi's President, the confirmation in office of the Prime Minister, and the formation of the new coalition Government as important steps forward in the stabilization of the situation. It called on all parties to cooperate in the work of reestablishing democracy and stability.

The Council reaffirmed the importance of bringing to justice those responsible for the 21 October 1993 coup and the subsequent inter-ethnic massacres and other violations of international humanitarian law. It also encouraged the Secretary-General to pursue his suggestion that UN assistance be provided to the Government of Burundi in strengthening its judicial system.

The Council welcomed the dispatch of a UN Special Envoy to study the refugee crisis from a regional perspective. It encouraged the efforts to convene an international conference on the subregion's problems. It called on the international community to continue to give priority to the restoration of stability and the promotion of national reconciliation in Burundi. It noted the important role that might be played by human rights monitors and welcomed the recent increase in Organization of African Unity (OAU) military observers in that country. It also encouraged the OAU, UN agencies and Member States to continue their involvement in Burundi and to intensify political contacts and visits.

Recent events described

In an 11 October report (S/1994/1152), the Secretary-General described recent events and discussed the security problems and the political, humanitarian and human rights situation in Burundi. The situation was characterized by a serious breakdown of law and order, and distrust between the two communities.

Although the election of a new President had stabilized the situation, it nevertheless remained precarious, he said, and the international community should continue encouraging the moderates to re-establish democracy, and Member States should maintain their interest in Burundi.

RELATED ARTICLE: Assembly endorses regional conference

On 25 October, the General Assembly fully endorsed (resolution 49/7) the African countries' wishes to convene a regional conference for assistance to refugees, returnees and displace persons in the Great Lakes region of Burundi and invited competent bodies of the UN system to take part in its implementation.

While encouraging the new coalition Government to continue to fight against warmongers and disarm the militias and other extremist groups, the Assembly invited the parties concerned in the process of national reconciliation to continue their efforts to re-establish peace and democracy in the country. It encouraged the Secretaries-General of the UN and the OAU to continue efforts to normalize the precarious situation in Burundi.

The Assembly asked Member States, the UN system and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to provide Burundians with assistance in reconstruction and revitalization of the economy.