Commission Five meets in Arusha

The newly-established Commission Five of the Burundi peace process, dealing with implementation of a future peace accord, met in the northern Tanzanian town of Arusha last week at the request of the mediator, Nelson Mandela. Sources close to the talks said each delegation put forward its position, with one of the most contentious issues being the deployment of foreign troops in Burundi. The G7 group, comprising Hutu-dominated parties, wants the deployment of some 5,000-10,000 neutral soldiers during the transition period, whereas the G3 group of the national assembly, government and Tutsi-led UPRONA party are firmly opposed to foreign troops.