Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad stated that South Africa remains committed to the peace process in Burundi and has pledged to assist in the socio-economic reconstruction of that country. Deputy Minister Pahad made these remarks following a meeting with Mr Nzojibwami Augustine, Second Vice President of the Transitional Assembly of Burundi in Cape Town today. South Africa has been actively supporting the Burundian Peace Talks conducted under the aegis of the former President of Tanzania, Mwalimbu Julius Nyerere.
Apart from diplomatic and financial support for this process, President Mandela has seconded his Legal Adviser, Professor Fink Haysom, to assist the facilitator in obtaining a comprehensive peace settlement to the conflict in that strife torn country.
Professor Haysom acts as the Chairperson of a committee composed of 17 political parties in Burundi attempting to forge a comprehensive agreement on constitutional reform as well as transitional institutions which would enjoy the support of all Burundians.
SANDF General Andrew Masondo has recently been seconded as vice-chairman of the committee dealing with the cessation of hostilities and related military matters. The Peace Talks have, after 5 plenary sessions, taken the form of intense negotiations through these committees established to deal with these critical areas. South Africa's involvement in this initiative has been welcomed on account of its neutrality in the conflicts which have beset the Great Lakes region and in respect of which Burundi is one part of a large conflict-ridden zone.
In addition, the specific experience which South Africa brings to the resolution of such conflicts is regarded as an important contribution, although the Burundian conflict is unique and requires a solution specific to Burundi and supported by Burundians.
Pf particular importance however, is that this initiative constitutes a pioneering attempt by African countries to resolve an African problem and enjoys the support of the international community. The process is expected to continue until September at which point stock will be taken of progress achieved.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 9 FEBRUARY 1999