Deputy President Zuma Meets with President Kagame

Deputy President Jacob Zuma met with President Paul Kagame in Kigali, Rwanda today, Wednesday 16 July 2003.

The two leaders discussed the situation in Burundi and agreed that decisive action was needed to quell the violence, and to allow space for the implementation of ceasefire accords and the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation
Agreement, leading to the holding of democratic election within a period of 16 months.

President Kagame expressed his full support of the peace process and assured the Deputy President that his country stood ready to assist in whatever way in regional efforts to restore stability in Burundi.

Deputy President Zuma said he was willing to engage further the Paliphehutu-FNL of Rwasa Agathon, which is not a signatory of the ceasefire agreement of 2000. He called upon the group to immediately enter into
negotiations with the Transitional Government of Burundi and to raise whatever concerns it has constructively through negotiation and not through violence.

Deputy President Zuma will leave Kigali, Rwanda for Bujumbura, Burundi tomorrow, 17 July 2003 for consultations before returning to Pretoria the same day.

Enquiries: Lakela Kaunda on 082 782 2575

Issued by the Presidency: Republic of South Africa
South African Operations Room
Kigali, Rwanda
16 July 2003