U.N. chief calls for concerted efforts in Lesotho to work for peaceful resolution of differences

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday voiced his concern about the reported military coup in Lesotho, and called for a "peaceful and lasting resolution" of all parties' differences.

"The secretary-general is concerned about the reported military takeover in Lesotho," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.

Ban "calls for respect for the constitutional order and democratic rule," the statement said.

"He urges all parties to refrain from violence and work together towards a peaceful and lasting resolution of their differences," it added.

Lesotho's Prime Minister Tom Thabane on Saturday confirmed a military coup in his country, saying he had fled to neighboring South Africa.