U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon wants Paraguayans to peacefully resolve their differences over the impeachment of ex-President Fernando Lugo.

In a statement issued by his spokesman Wednesday, Ban welcomed an Organization of American States fact-finding mission to the South American nation and called on Paraguayns to "work in the days ahead to ensure the peaceful resolution of differences."

"The Secretary-General has been following closely and with concern recent events in Paraguay that culminated in the removal from office of President Fernando Lugo," the statement read. "He notes the concern expressed by regional leaders regarding the impeachment process and its implications for democracy in the country."

Lugo, who was impeached Friday over his handling of deadly land clashes, has denounced the move as a "parliamentary coup."