VP Ndayizeye "optimistic" about conflict resolution

"The armed movements are part of a logic of negotiations, at least in words. That allows the Burundian government to be optimistic concerning the ceasefire and a solution to the conflict," Domitien Ndayizeye, the vice-president of Burundi, said at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday, on the last stop of his tour of Europe. He based his affirmation on the negotiations being held in Pretoria, South Africa, between the Burundi government and the armed wing of the CNDD (Conseil national pour la defense de la democratie) led by Jean-Bosco Ndayikengurukiye, while hoping that next week the Forces nationales de liberation (FNL), led by Agathon Rwasa, and the CNDD chaired by Pierre Nkurunziza, would arrive for further negotiations. "They have to negotiate, because they cannot win the war anyway. It's also a matter of saving the lives of civilians," Ndayizeye said. With regard to relations with Tanzania, accused of harbouring rebels, Ndayizeye stressed that "they are improving". "Most of the [Burundi] refugees are in Tanzania," he noted. "That's why there will be no solution unless Tanzania applies its weight." According to Ndayizeye, 28,000 people returned in 2001, while some 54,000 have returned since January 2002. "This is a sign that people are confident in the peace process," he said. Under the Arusha peace and reconciliation agreement for Burundi, Ndayizeye is due to become president on 1 May 2003. "I don't have any fear, because everything will take place as planned," he said. "The Burundi government wants now to implement the reforms planned in the agreement, and to prepare elections," he continued. Local elections are due to be held in May 2003, parliamentarian elections in November 2003, and presidential elections in November 2004. The other challenge for Burundi, Ndayizeye said, was poverty. "If it continues to worsen, peace will be compromised," he said. Burundi has submitted its strategic plan to reduce poverty (CSLP - Cadre strategique interimaire de croissance economique et de lutte contre la pauvrete) to international donors. "Prospects are good," he said, "but there is one sticking point: the IMF [International Monetary Fund] has asked us to reduce our public expenses, which is in contradiction to our aim to relaunch the economy." Burundi has asked donors to support Burundi's case to the IMF, and also to finance a trust fund with the help of the World Bank. According to Ndayizeye, the UK has already paid US $1 million, and Belgium, Sweden and Austria have made pledges. He is now urging Austria to mobilise a group of donors that could include Austria, Belgium, France, Sweden, the UK, and possibly Germany, which he will visit next month. Earlier this month, on 2 April, Germany announced that it would resume aid to Burundi following a nine-year suspension. The German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development also reported that a total of 45.2 million euros (almost $40 million) had been earmarked for projects involving the reintegration of Burundi refugees, HIV/AIDS-related activities, and rural water-supply projects. During his five-nation tour, Ndayizeye gave briefings on the Burundi peace process and the resumption of cooperation between Burundi and its partners in the region. Ndayizeye and his 12-member delegation left Burundi on 31 March and were scheduled to return on Thursday 18 April, following visits to Austria, Italy, The Vatican, the UK, Sweden and Belgium.