UN Chief Expresses Concern for Democracy in Paraguay

A police officer walks past a graffiti during a police operation in the Nova Holanda slum, part of the Complexo da Mare, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging all sides in Paraguay to peacefully settle their political differences which led to the ouster of the country's president.

A spokesperson for Mr. Ban said Wednesday the U.N. chief has been concerned about the implications for democracy in the country.

The spokesperson said the Secretary-General welcomes the fact-finding mission by the Organization of American States heading to Paraguay.

Paraguay's Congress impeached President Fernando Lugo last week and removed him from office. The opposition party controls both houses of Congress.

Lawmakers blame Mr. Lugo for ordering police to evict a group of peasant farmers who were squatting on a private estate. The farmers claimed the land was acquired illegally. Violence broke out, leaving 11 peasants and six police officers dead.

Mr, Lugo said he accepts the Congress's decision, but he says Paraguayan democracy has been deeply wounded.