Burundi: Security Council calls on rebels to take 'serious approach' to peace talks

Voicing grave concern about the continuation of hostilities in Burundi, members of the Security Council today called on rebels fighting in the country to return to the negotiating table and take a "serious approach" to the talks.

The Council President, Ambassador Stefan Tafrov of Bulgaria, said in a press statement that the 15-member body deplored the continuing conflict, and firmly condemned the massacres that were committed in the Gitega region.

"They expressed grave concern about the continuation of hostilities in [Burundi], as a result of the obstinate refusal of the rebel groups to negotiate," Ambassador Tafrov said. Council members "call on the rebels to seize this opportunity to achieve a negotiated settlement to the conflict, within the framework of the Arusha process." The rebels were also called on to demonstrate good faith and the will to achieve an agreement by taking a serious approach to the negotiations.

The statement also reiterated the members' full support for the mediation efforts of South African Vice-President Jacob Zuma and President Omar Bongo of Gabon, as well as efforts by Tanzania, to achieve an end to the fighting. "They hope that the cycle of negotiations starting today at Dar es Salaam, under the chairmanship of Mr. Zuma, will finally lead to an agreement," Ambassador Tafrov said.

Council members recalled the need for increased mobilization of the donor community so that past commitments were respected, according to the statement, which called this funding an essential condition for the success of the ongoing peace process.

The members also stressed the need for emergency budgetary assistance for the transitional Government in Burundi so as to enable it to cope with the exceptional situation it was currently experiencing, Ambassador Tafrov added.

In a private meeting yesterday, Council members heard a briefing by Therence Sinunguruza, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Burundi.