Iran Calls on Rival Parties in Burkina Faso to Show Restraint
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham asked parties involved in the political crisis in Burkina Faso to exercise restraint and hand over power to a civilian government in the West African country.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is pursuing developments in Burkina Faso and sees as very important the need for the two sides' restraint and their efforts to prevent violence and the killing of people,” Afkham said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
She also emphasized that Tehran welcomes the decision made by Burkina Faso's military authorities to cede power to civilians and implement the country’s constitution.
Afkham expressed the hope that a transitional government and the legal institutions would be formed in Burkina Faso as soon as possible and the necessary moves would be taken in the country for the democratic process in a bid to hold legal elections.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran supports peace, security and the formation of an inclusive and strong government in Burkina Faso with the contribution of all parties and the real representatives of the country’s nation,” she noted.
The Burkina Faso’s military appointed Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida, deputy commander of the elite presidential guard, as provisional head of state on Saturday. The day before, long-time president Blaise Compaore had stepped down and with the help of France fled to neighboring Ivory Coast.
Compaore resigned as leader of the impoverished country on Friday following two days of mass protests sparked by his bid to extend his 27-year rule by amending the constitution.
In the chaos that followed, the army's move to take control of the transition drew criticism from opposition politicians and international partners.
Zida on Monday said that Burkina Faso's army will cede power to a transitional government and appoint a new head of state.
"We are going to move very fast, but be careful not to commit a mistake that might damage our country," he said.
