U.N. Threatens to Impose Sanctions

The U.N. Security Council threatened an arms embargo against Burundi’s leaders if they did not initiate all-party negotiations to end violence that many fear will escalate into widespread massacres. In a resolution adopted by a 15-0 vote, the council for the first time also condemned the July military coup led by retired Maj. Pierre Buyoya. The resolution was aimed at pressuring the military leaders into unconditional negotiations with all the country’s parties and factions. If such talks have not begun by Oct. 31, the council will consider imposing an arms embargo or applying selective unspecified measures against those who “encourage violence and obstruct a peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Burundi.”