Belgium calls on all Burundian parties to dialogue

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium Didier Reynders called on Wednesday all Burundian parties to show restraint and dialogue to reach a consensus.

That is the "only" way to overcome the current crisis in Burundi, said Reynders, who has expressed his "deep" concern about the escalation of violence in the country, in a statement.

Reynders slammed Monday's attack which seriously injured Pierre-Claver Mponimpa, a human rights defender, the statement said.

On Sunday, Belgium condemned the attack that claimed the life of General Adolphe Nshimirimana and had direct contact with the Burundian authorities to appeal for calm and restraint.

Belgium expects the Burundian government to ensure safety of citizens and national cohesion and calls on the judicial authorities to prosecute those responsible for these crimes in accordance with the rule of law.