Washington - The
International Finance Corp, the World Bank's private investment arm,
said on Monday it was "deeply concerned" with violence at Lonmin's
Marikana platinum mine in South Africa and urged parties to settle their
differences through negotiation.
IFC holds a 0.61 percent equity stake in London-based Lonmin Plc
through an investment made in 2006. Lonmin accounts for 12 percent of
global platinum output.
Forty-four people have been killed at the Marikana mine,
including more than 30 striking miners who were shot dead during a
confrontation with police last week. The shooting was one of the
bloodiest police actions seen since the end of apartheid in 1994.
"The issues are serious and IFC encourages all parties to resolve
the dispute through constructive dialogue and negotiation," IFC said in
a statement.
-Reuters
