A Vietnamese diplomat has applauded positive steps in terms of security and humanitarian situation as well as the peace progress in Burundi.

“My Delegation takes a positive note of the considerable stabilisation of the security situation and significant progress in Burundi ,” said Deputy Representative of Vietnam to the UN Security Council, Ambassador Hoang Chi Trung, at the council debate on Burundi and the UN Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB), in New York on Dec. 10.

“In the humanitarian area, the continued repatriation of refugees is also a positive sign of the achievements recorded in the peace process,” he said.

The representative called upon all parties concerned in Burundi to build on this positive momentum, promote national reconciliation, and fully implement the 2009 Bujumbura Declaration and other peace agreements.

In noting persisting challenges faced by Burundi such as armed violence, uncontrolled criminality, food insecurity, Trung welcomed the continued assistance provided by the UN and the African Union (AU) to Burundi , especially ahead of the 2010 elections.

He voiced support for BINUB and the Peace Building Commission’s close cooperation and coordination with the Burundian Government in capacity building, facilitating the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process, and promoting socio-economic recovery and development in the country.

The ambassador also spoke highly of the contributions made by the UN and other international organisations, saying that “the continued support extended by these regional and international partners is crucial for peace consolidation and sustainable stability in Burundi .”

“In this connection, we support the extension of BINUB’s mandate for 12 months as recommended by the Secretary-General in his Report,” he said./.