Burundi gov't slams international pressure over president's re- election bid

Burundi's government has slammed international criticism over President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term, saying the president's decision should not be "discussed."

"Burundi is deeply concerned with the ongoing diplomatic activities that tend to undermine and denigrate the republican institutions and constitution in Burundi," said government spokesman Philippe Nzobonariba in a declaration on late Monday.

Issues regarding the country's "sovereignty, constitution and the primacy of the law" should not be discussed, the spokesman said, adding that these include Nkurunziza's candidacy in the June elections, the "illegal" ongoing demonstrations and the electoral process.

He said the government regrets the fact that some special envoys from the international community have "come to Burundi with pre-conceived ideas."

East African Community, a regional bloc, is to hold a summit on Burundi on May 31 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Burundi has been in turmoil since April 25 when Nkurunziza announced that he will run for a third term, despite warnings at home and abroad.

Clashes between protesters and police, mainly in Bujumbura, have left more than 30 dead, according to Burundi's civil society groups.

Nkurunziza has been in power since 2005.

Opponents say his re-election bid violates the constitution that limits the president to two terms in office.

His supporters however argue that his first term does not count as he was appointed by parliament, not elected in a universal suffrage. Endi