Issued by: Office of the Deputy Presidency
25 August 2002
The negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire agreement in Burundi, which began on 12 August 2002, are continuing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, chaired by Deputy President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa
The General Ceasefire Agreement being negotiated is an important element of the implementation of the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, signed on 28 August 2000.
The Burundi ceasefire negotiations are between the Transitional Government of Burundi and three armed political movements, namely:
The talks are being conducted in an amicable and constructive atmosphere, and there is confidence that agreements will be reached soon, given the commitment of the various parties to the process.
Deputy President Zuma, who is very optimistic about an imminent positive outcome, is scheduled to leave Dar Es Salaam for South Africa tomorrow, 26 August 2002. He will return to Tanzania soon to continue with the facilitation task.
Inquiries:
Ms Lakela Kaunda, Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on +27827822575