South Africa to Host Burundi Peace Talks, Pretoria Sunday, 18 - Monday, 19 July 2004

PRETORIA - The President of the Transitional Government of Burundi, Domitien Ndayizeye, and representatives of the three main political parties, UPRONA, FRODEBU and CNDD-FDD will visit South Africa from 17 to 19 July 2004, at the invitation of South Africa's Deputy President Jacob Zuma for consultations.

Deputy President Jacob Zuma is the facilitator of the Burundi Peace Process.

President Ndayizeye's delegation will include, among others, Ministers of External Relations and Co-operation, Therence Singunguruza; Mobilisation for Peace and National Reconciliation, Antoine Butoyi; and Justice, Didace Kiganahe.

FRODEBU will be led by Dr Jean Minani (President of the National Assembly); UPRONA by Jean Baptiste Manwangari (Senator); and CNDD-FDD by Pierre Nkurunziza.

The consultations between the political parties are expected to focus on the issue of power sharing arrangements raised with Deputy President Jacob Zuma during his visit to Bujumbura on 17- 18 June 2004.

Both sides have expressed hope and are optimistic that the issue will find a resolution at the Pretoria meeting.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

16 July 2004