GOB AND REBEL LEADERSHIP COMMIT TO RESOLVING

UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000421 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL BY SUBJECT: GOB AND REBEL LEADERSHIP COMMIT TO RESOLVING DIFFERENCES ¶1. In an August 18 briefing, South African facilitator Charles Nqakula told the diplomatic corps that Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza and rebel group PALIPEHUTU-FNL Chairman Agathon Rwasa will meet August 19,21,26 and 28 in closed sessions to remove current stumbling blocks to the stalled peace process. At the conclusion of the final meeting, the two parties will report back to the facilitator the results of these negotiations. The facilitator will address any outstanding issues at that time. Nqakula stressed during the meeting that the South African mandate to conclude the peace process will expire on December 31, 2008, with no hope for renewal. However, Nqakula expressed optimism that peace will be concluded by the end of 2008 as Burundians are now taking responsibility to "resolve their differences in the best interest of the country." Moller