Burundi Peace Process in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
29 May 2006
Dar es Salaam: South African Minister of Safety and Security, Charles
Nqakula, Facilitator of the Burundi Peace Process will deliver a keynote
address to the Plenary Session on the Burundi Peace Negotiations today.
Minister Nqakula supported by the Special Envoy to the Great Lakes,
Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo arrived in Dar-esâSalaam yesterday to participate
in the regional plenary session aimed at ending the conflict and bringing about
normalcy in Burundi through the pursuit of negotiations with all the role
players.
Today's discussions will be preceded by introductory remarks on the Process
by Ambassador, Kingsley Mamabolo, South African Special Envoy to the Great
Lakes Region. Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete will open the session with
welcoming remarks as Tanzania has been instrumental in hosting the Peace
Process.
Minister Nqakula will use his keynote address to reiterate South Africa's
commitment as the Facilitator to ensure that it works with the regional
leadership of the African Union, the United Nations Operations in Burundi, the
government of Burundi and representatives of Palipehutu -FNL for the pursuit of
lasting peace in Burundi.
Amongst other role players expected to address the plenary will be
representatives of the African Union, United Nations Operation in Burundi
(UNOB), Regional Chair of the Burundi Peace Initiative, representative of the
government of Burundi and the Palipehutu - FNL.
A media briefing will follow at the end of the plenary to brief the media on
the way forward towards negotiations.
High Commissioner to the Republic of Tanzania, Sindiso Mfenyana will host a
reception in honour of the delegates to the Plenary Session supported by
Ambassador.Mdu Lembede, South Africa's representative in Burundi who is
participating at the talks.
Minister Nqakula is expected back in South Africa on the 30th May 2006.
Enquiries: Nomfanelo Kota
Cell: 082 459 3787
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
29 May 2006
Source: SAPA
