(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Responding to rumors of a coup in Burundi, White House press secretary Josh Earnest on Wednesday said the United States was following "with concern" the news coming out of Bujumbura.
"We call on all sides to lay down arms, end the violence and show restraint, just as Burundian authorities have a responsibility to restore the necessary conditions to hold credible elections," Earnest said during a briefing.
"We continue to support the efforts of region leaders who, as I understand it, are meeting right now in Tanzania to take all necessary actions to restore peace and unity in Burundi," he said.
"We are particularly focused on ensuring that Burundian officials respect the basic democratic procedures and practices, as they seek to govern that country." Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza is meeting with regional leaders to try to resolve political differences, Earnest said.
"The question right now that has provoked so much controversy in Burundi is whether or not the current president should seek re-election," he added. Some have concluded that Nkurunziza is not eligible to run for a third term as president, Earnest noted.
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