26 September 2002
The negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire agreement between the Transitional Government of Burundi and the Palipehutu-Forces for National Liberation (Palipehutu FNL) have been temporarily adjourned today, Thursday, September 26, 2002 and will resume in South Africa soon.
The ceasefire agreement being sought is a key element in the implementation of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement of August 28, 2000.
We adjourn on a positive and optimistic note, as we are pleased with the fact that for the very first time, the Government of Burundi and the Palipehutu-FNL were able to hold direct face-to-face negotiations, after many unsuccessful attempts to bring the two parties together before.
The two delegations have also made a start with regard to actual ceasefire negotiations. Military experts of the Facilitation team presented to the meeting a draft Ceasefire Agreement for discussion.
The Palipehutu-FNL presented a proposal on the cessation of political and military hostilities. The Transitional Government responded by proposing that the meeting discuss the comprehensive Draft Ceasefire Agreement and not the suspension of hostilities in isolation, given that the suspension of hostilities is one of the phases in the comprehensive Draft Ceasefire Agreement. The two delegations will take these discussions further when the talks resume.
We have noted that the four days allocated for this round of negotiations has been insufficient, given the complex nature of the discussions and issues. This was also compounded by the fact that the two parties were engaging each other in negotiations for the first time, and needed to cover a lot of ground.
I am unfortunately unable to extend my stay in Tanzania once again, due to pressing engagements back home, hence the preparations for the talks to continue in South Africa.
The amicable atmosphere in which the discussions took place, and the commitment displayed indicates that the two parties are serious about finding a solution.
We wish to reiterate that we will do all in our power to assist the belligerents to find a solution, for the sake of the Barundi people. We trust that the negotiating parties will use this window of opportunity to finalise agreements, especially before the last Regional Heads of State Summit on Burundi to be held on 7 October 2002.
The elimination of conflicts and wars in the continent is a critical requirement for us to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development in Africa. We all need to work together to achieve this goal of ensuring the revival of the continent, in line with the spirit of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, (NEPAD).
Issued by: Office of the Presidency