UN condemns Burundi killings, threatens possible sanctions

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The U.N. Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution strongly condemning increasing killings, torture and human rights violations in Burundi and threatening possible sanctions against those contributing to the violence.

The vote on Thursday follows an urgent call by international leaders for a meeting of Burundi's government and opposition as fears continued that the African nation is at risk of a Rwanda-like genocide.

Top U.N. officials and human rights groups have urged action against what witnesses call a deadly government crackdown on opposition members.

The resolution asks Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to deploy a team to Burundi to work with the government, African Union and other partners to "develop options to address political and security concerns."