Mr. Dujarric made the following remarks at a press conference at the UN Headquarters in NY today:

"And […] I was asked about Burundi, and I just wanted to add that we do condemn the assassination of Mr.  Emmanuel Niyonkuru, the Burundian Minister of Water, the Environment, and Planning, which took place on 1 January. We express our sincere condolences to his family, the government and people of Burundi.

This act serves as another sad reminder of the urgent need for the Burundian parties to come together in the larger interest of the people of Burundi in the search of a lasting political solution for the crisis in the country.

To that end, the UN stands ready to continue working with partners in support of the Facilitation led by the East African Community."

................................... (in response to a question)

"We deeply regret the decision of the National Assembly of Burundi to adopt a law restricting activities of international non-governmental organizations, including the imposition of registration and reporting requirements, as well as limitations on the ability of such organizations to hire and pay staff.  

We are concerned that enactment of this law could impede or even threaten the continued free operation of important organizations that are working to assist the Burundian people."