UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday regretted the Burkinabe transitional authorities' declaration of the UN resident coordinator persona non grata, said his spokesman.

The secretary-general has learned with regret that, on Aug. 18, the Burkinabe transitional authorities declared the resident coordinator of the United Nations and humanitarian coordinator in the country, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, persona non grata, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.

Guterres expresses full confidence in Flore-Smereczniak's professionalism and dedication and in the broader UN system in Burkina Faso. The UN system, led by the resident coordinator, has been working closely with the Burkinabe transitional authorities to support development efforts and provide humanitarian assistance, said the spokesman.

The doctrine of persona non grata does not apply to UN officials. Only the secretary-general has the authority to decide, after careful investigation, on the withdrawal of any UN official, said Dujarric.

Guterres reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to continue supporting the people of Burkina Faso in full cooperation with the transitional authorities, he said.

Flore-Smereczniak has left Burkina Faso, Dujarric told reporters. ■