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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release July 25, 1996

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The United States condemns the coup d'etat by military forces in concert with various political figures in Burundi earlier today. We regret that both civilian and military leaders of Burundi did not resolve their differences through established constitutional mechanisms.

We strongly encourage all Burundian parties to halt the violence and engage immediately in concerted efforts to achieve lasting national reconciliation. We expect them to protect the lives of American citizens, maintain democratic institutions, and enter into negotiations for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

The President is dispatching Special Envoy for Burundi Peace Negotiations Howard Wolpe to the region for urgent consultations. We are discussing with African and other governments appropriate next steps.

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