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UN chief calls on peaceful dialogue on DRC elections

Xinhua, January 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Thursday called on stakeholders in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to ensure that elections-related matters are discussed in an inclusive and peaceful manner.

Ban is concerned about the deteriorating situation in the country and calls on the national security forces and demonstrators to refrain from further violence and exercise maximum restraint, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a daily briefing.

"The Secretary-General underscores the Government's responsibility to provide political space for the peaceful expression of opinions," he said. "Demonstrations should be conducted in a peaceful manner."

Reports said dozens of people have been killed this week during protests against the new law in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, which aims at postponing the 2016 presidential elections and extending the second term of President Joseph Kabila beyond December next year. Endite