Kagame pledges consultative approach

President-elect Paul Kagame on Monday promised the Rwandan parliament he would do his very best when he took office, and that he would adopt a more consultative approach to his leadership, Radio Rwanda reported. "This is real confidence you have shown in me. However, it is equally a heavy task. I am therefore asking you: Instead of adding to that heavy task, please help me alleviate it through your cooperation in discharging our mutual obligations to lead our country to development," the station quoted Kagame saying. "If we maintain our independence, respect the laws that govern our institutions and the spirit of the people, I have no doubt that we will be successful in our obligations of leading Rwandans to the unity, justice and development they deserve," Kagame added. Meanwhile, former prime minister Pierre-Celestin Rwigema - who resigned in February - congratulated the new president and pledged the cooperation of his party, the Mouvement democratique republicaine (MDR), in nation-building.