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Statement on Resumption of Burundi Peace
Negotiations
Deputy President Jacob Zuma will leave for Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania, on Wednesday, 18 September, for the resumption
of negotiations aimed at achieving a cease-fire agreement
between the Transitional Government of Burundi and armed
opposition movements.
The talks will resume on Thursday, 19 September.
The previous round of negotiations ended successfully
on 26 August 2002 with the conclusion of an agreement
between the Transitional Government of Burundi and the
National Council for the Defence of Democracy/Forces
for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) of Colonel Jean-Bosco
Ndayikengurukiye.
The leaders of the two delegations, Mr Ambroise Niyonsaba
of the Transitional Government, and Colonel Ndayikengurukiye
signed a memorandum of understanding in Dar es Salaam
and a cease-fire agreement will be signed on a date
to be announced in due course.
The outstanding negotiations are between the Transitional
Government of Burundi and National Council for the Defence
of Democracy-Forces for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD)
of Pierre Nkurunziza as well as the Palipehutu Forces
for National Liberation, (Palipehutu-FNL).
The Palipehutu-FNL delegation to the cease-fire talks
last week concluded consultations with the Facilitation
team in South Africa, during which they engaged in discussions
with the facilitator of cease-fire negotiations, Deputy
President Jacob Zuma, and the mediator in the Burundi
conflict, former President Mandela.
The Palipehutu-FNL delegation has expressed its readiness
and commitment to negotiate a cease-fire agreement with
the Transitional Government in Tanzania. The CNDD-FDD
has also emphasised its commitment to negotiations.
In this regard, the Facilitation team is optimistic
about another positive outcome during this session of
negotiations.
The General Cease-fire Agreement being sought is a
key part of the implementation of the Arusha Agreement
for Peace and Reconciliation, signed on 28 August 2000.
Enquiries: Lakela Kaunda on 082 782 2575.
Issued by The Presidency
16 September 2002
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