Burundi government defiant in the face of foreign critics

Bujumbura - Burundi's foreign minister is calling for the international community to respect his country's sovereignty, amid criticism over the decision to proceed with elections despite rampant violence.

Alain Aime Nyamitwe told The Associated Press that it is "not up to anybody, any country, any leader outside Burundi to dictate on Burundi which direction it should take."

Burundi 's capital, Bujumbura, has been hit by persistent street protests since the announcement in April that President Pierre Nkurunziza is seeking re-election in a presidential vote set for 15 July.

The constitutional court has ruled in the president's favour, saying he is eligible for a third term because he was chosen by lawmakers - and not popularly elected - for his first term.