United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during the 9th ASEAN UN Summit in Manila, Philippines, 13 November 2017. REUTERS/Linus Escandor Ii/Pool/Files

 

UNITED NATIONS: Antonio Guterres ? the Secretary-General at United Nations ? on Thursday appealed for calm and restraint in Zimbabwe after the military seized power.

?The UN Secretary-General is monitoring the evolving situation in Zimbabwe. He appeals for calm, non-violence and restraint. Preservation of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, and assembly, is of vital importance,? UN spokesman Farhan Haq said.

Zimbabwe?s military said it was holding President Robert Mugabe and his family safe while targeting ?criminals? in the entourage of the only ruler the country has known in its 37 years of independence.