UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Sunday voiced his concern about the reported military coup in Lesotho, urging "all parties to refrain from violence and work together towards a peaceful and lasting resolution of their 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.

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

Lesotho has seen a series of military coups since independence in 1966.

The secretary-general welcomes earlier efforts by the South African Development Community (SADC), the Commonwealth and other partners of Lesotho to support the restoration of trust among the members of the Coalition Government and urges all parties to continue to play an active role in the promotion of peace in Lesotho, the statement said.

"He reaffirms the continued support of the United Nations to these efforts," the statement added.

The situation in the Southern African country remains unclear after a possible military coup that sent Prime Minister Tom Thabane into hiding.

Military personnel seized a number of government buildings early Saturday. But the military has denied seeking to oust the prime minister and said its soldiers had returned to barracks.

Lesotho has been governed by a shaky coalition for two years, with the military and police being loyal to different political parties.