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Statement on Conclusion of Burundi Visit
by Deputy President Jacob Zuma, 27 July 2004
Deputy President Jacob Zuma has concluded his two-day
visit to Bujumbura, Burundi.
He was in Burundi on 26 to 27 July to brief political
parties on the power sharing agreement concluded in
Pretoria on 21 July 2004.
The Deputy President met with President Domitien Ndayizeye,
Vice President Alphonse Kadege, 32 political parties,
diplomats, women, Burundi military and other stakeholders.
He is satisfied that all the key stakeholders have
now been taken on board, and that the Pretoria agreement
is ready for implementation.
The Deputy President is also encouraged by the undertaking
by the Uprona party to continue engaging other parties
and the facilitation on the outstanding issues they
objected to in the Pretoria agreement. The undertaking
was made today, 27 July 2004.
Uprona had walked out in protest during a meeting of
political parties yesterday, 26 July, however today
during discussions with Deputy President Zuma, they
indicated that they agree with the general content of
the agreement, but wants further discussions of the
issues of:
- Co-management of government by a President and Vice
President in the post-transition
- The breakdown of the 40% in the 60-40% allocation
of seats to Hutus and Tutsis in the National Assembly.
- The Deputy President as facilitator also undertook
to continue assisting the parties to resolve these
issues. He is pleased with the outcome of his visit
to Burundi, which he believes has helped to clarify
misunderstandings regarding the Pretoria consultations
and agreement.
Lakela Kaunda
Cell: 082 782 2575
Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 781 9332
Issued by: The Presidency
27 July 2004
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