(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Burundi's government on Tuesday condemned mounting diplomatic pressure over President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial bid to stand for a third consecutive term, signalling it would not bow to international criticism.
The government has "red lines", spokesman Philippe Nzobonariba said on state radio, indicating that Nkurunziza was still unwilling to compromise even though the political crisis has already sparked weeks of civil unrest, an attempted coup, a refugee crisis and international isolation.
The presidency meanwhile appealed for public donations from "patriotic citizens" so that it could go ahead with the elections, which have been hit by a funding freeze by the central African nation's former colonial power Belgium, as well as the European Union.
And in a fresh blow on Tuesday, key donor France also announced that it was suspending aid to the Burundi's police and defence establishment, both of which have been engaged in a violent crackdown on protesters that have left at least 30 dead.
"The government of Burundi is deeply concerned by the current diplomatic activity which could undermine and denigrate our republican institutions and constitution," Nzobonariba said.
"Certain questions that touch on our sovereignty, constitution and the primacy of our laws cannot be debated. The Burundian government will not negotiate and will not discuss matters that undermine our institutions."
Burundi's crisis erupted after the ruling CNDD-FDD party nominated Nkurunziza to stand again in the June 26 presidential election.
The crisis deepened earlier this month when a top general staged a failed coup attempt, which was met with only measured international condemnation - with regional and international powers also broadly critical of the president's bid to stay in office.
Opposition and rights groups say that Nkurunziza's bid for a third five-year term violates the constitution as well as the terms of a peace deal that ended a 13-year civil war in 2006.
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