UN chief Ban Ki-moon has condemned what he called "the unconstitutional seizure of power" by rebels in the Central African Republic.

UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said in a statement, "The secretary-general condemns the unconstitutional seizure of power that took place in the Central African Republic on Sunday, and calls for the swift restoration of constitutional order."

Nesirky said Ban appealed for calm and for respect of the rule of law in the African nation. "He is concerned by the dire humanitarian situation in the country and the reports of ongoing looting in the capital, Bangui, including of United Nations property."

The UN is taking all precautions to protect its staff and will continue to work closely with its partners to help resolve the crisis, he added.

AFP

(China Daily 03/26/2013 page11)