BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, July 10, 2015 — {In the plenary session of the Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders today reiterated his deep concern over the situation in Burundi, which became even more tense over the last weeks. Just as the African Union and the United Nations Electoral Observation Mission in Burundi, the Minister notes that the circumstances are not conducive for free, credible and inclusive elections. Belgium condemns the violations of rights and liberties – in particular the restrictions on press freedom – and the violence.
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Today, Didier Reynders also received a delegation of Burundese personalities who are opposed to a third term for the President. Both on a bilateral and a multilateral level, Belgium will continue to encourage the authorities and other parties to find a peaceful solution in Burundi, respectful of the rule of law and the democratic principles and in the spirit of the Arusha Agreement. The Minister hopes that the mediation of the East African Community by President Museveni will lead to such a solution.
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