United Nations, Jan. 22,2015(NAN) UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, on Thursday called on all key stakeholders in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to resume political dialogue.
He urged them to ensure that elections-related matters were discussed in an inclusive and peaceful fashion in appropriate fora.
This is contained in a statement issued by the UN spokesman, Stephane DuJarric, in New York.
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Ban, in the statement, reaffirmed the readiness of his Special Representative to use his good offices to help narrow the gap among the main actors.
The secretary-general expressed the need for a credible, peaceful, and timely electoral process, in accordance with the Constitution.
Ban said he was concerned about the deteriorating situation in the DRC, including in Kinshasa and other cities, following the adoption of a draft electoral law by the National Assembly.
He deplored the loss of lives and injuries caused so far and called on the national security forces and demonstrators to refrain from further violence and exercise maximum restraint.
The secretary-general underscored the government’s responsibility to provide political space for the peaceful expression of opinions.
Demonstrations, he said, should be conducted in a peaceful manner.
The UN chief said while violence was not acceptable, the response to violent protests must also be proportionate. (NAN)