Burundi peace process
28 May 2006
South African Minister of Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula, facilitator
of the Burundi Peace Process will on Sunday, 28 May 2006 depart for Tanzania as
part of ongoing consultations with leaders of the region with a view to
facilitating the peace process in Burundi.
The visit to Tanzania will be Minister Nqakula's second visit since his
appointment as Facilitator. On 10 May 2006, Minister Nqakula visited Uganda,
Tanzania and Burundi where he consulted role players on the way forward to the
peace process. During his last visit to the Great Lakes, a Regional Technical
Team was established to provide support to the Facilitator.
Whilst in Tanzania, Minister Charles Nqakula is expected to participate in a
regional meeting which will be attended by among others President Jakaya
Kikwete from Tanzania, President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi, the United
Nations Operations in Burundi (ONUB), the African Union and the PALIPEHUTU
FNL.
Issues on the agenda will include:
* implementation of the cease-fire agreements and other related
agreements
* pursuit of negotiations by all role players in the Burundi Peace
Process
* mechanisms aimed at ending the conflict that will bring about normalcy,
politically and militarily.
Minister Nqakula is expected to return to South Africa on 30 May 2006.
South Africa reiterates its commitment to working with the regional
leadership of the African Union, the government and the people of Burundi, the
PALIPEHUTU FNL in their efforts to find a sustainable solution to their current
political challenges aimed at bringing lasting peace to Burundi.
The South African government remains optimistic about the prospects for
lasting peace in Burundi and commends all parties for their commitment to
bringing about a lasting peace to their country.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
28 May 2006
