Issued by: Office of the Presidency
29 April 2002
Deputy President Jacob Zuma today met with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Mission on the Great Lakes under the leadership of the French Permanent Representative to the United Nations, AmbassadorJean-David Levitte, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The delegation included representatives from Bulgaria, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Guinea, Ireland, Mauritius, Mexico, Norway, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Syria, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Deputy President briefed the Security Council about the negotiations for cessation of hostilities and a ceasefire between the Transitional Government of Burundi and the armed groups, the Palipehutu-FNL led by Rwasa Agathon, the CNDD-FDD led by Jean Bosco-Ndayikengurukiye and the CNDD-FDD component led by Pierre Nkurunziza.
Addressing the media after the talks, Ambassaror Levitte paid tribute to the Republic of South Africa for the role the country has played in the Burundi peace process, including the process leading to the establishment of a transitional government in Burundi and the ceasefire negotiations.
Ambassador Levitte stressed that the UN Security Council supports the facilitation process led by Deputy President Zuma and President Omar Bongo of Gabon, and called upon the armed groups to cease armed conflict, co-operate with the facilitators and engage in negotiations with immediate effect as time was of the essence.
Deputy President said the Facilitation appreciated the support of the United Nations Security Council and would continue with efforts of engaging the armed groups and searching for solutions in Burundi.
To take the peace process forward, Deputy President Zuma will tomorrow (April 30) travel to Kampala, Uganda, for a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, the Chair of the Great Lakes Region. On the 1st of May, the Deputy President will hold discussions with President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, in Arusha.
For more information please contact Lakela Kaunda on 082 782 2575.