Press Statement by the Chairman of the Burundi Political Directorate, Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo

The Political Directorate is highly encouraged by the movement today of 2000 Palipehutu-FNL combatants into the Rugazi Assembly Area.  This is an important step forward in the Burundi Peace Process and opens the way for the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Process to begin.  It is expected that more Palipehutu-FNL combatants would move into the assembly areas in the coming days which would confirm that the Peace Process is firmly on track. 

The Political Directorate acknowledges this positive decision by the Palipehutu-FNL.  Such actions, as well as reciprocal actions from the Government of Burundi, will no doubt speed up the process and assist Burundi towards the lasting and sustainable attainment of peace and stability.  The Political Directorate calls on both the Government and the Palipehutu-FNL to move with haste in completing this phase of the process so that the country can focus beyond the Peace Process towards the economic recovery and development of Burundi.

The Political Directorate will continue with its work in the coming weeks in the positive and constructive atmosphere that now has been created.

BUJUMBURA
21 JULY 2008

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
21 July 2008.