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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release July 10, 1996

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The United States strongly condemns the massacre of at least 80 innocent civilians and their families by extremist Hutu rebels at the Teza tea plantation in Burundi last week. We again urge all forces to end the cycle of violence and begin working together for a lasting and viable peace. We call on the leadership of the Burundian armed forces to exercise due restraint and refrain from retaliation.

This tragic event occurs at a time of potentially significant progress in the peace process following the recent request of the Burundi President, Prime Minister, Defense Minister and National Security Council to countries in the region for security assistance to bring peace and stability to Burundi. The United States renews its call for all Burundians to stand behind this courageous initiative and reject extremist solutions.

Special Envoy of the President and Secretary of State for Burundi Peace Negotiations Howard Wolpe and Rwanda/Burundi Special Coordinator Ambassador Richard Bogosian are en route to the region to work with leaders on promoting a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Burundi.

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