Buyoya, Mandela meeting “positive”

Talks between Mandela and Buyoya in South Africa on Thursday and Friday were described as “very good”, with Mandela apparently acknowledging that his 28 August deadline may have to be put back, Hirondelle said. The South African ‘Independent’ newspaper said the two men had achieved a “breakthrough” at their talks. They reportedly agreed that a ceasefire should be concluded between the army and rebels before a comprehensive peace deal could be signed. “They also agreed that the levels of mutual trust between the Burundian parties would have to be raised before the comprehensive settlement was signed,” the ‘Independent’ said. “Although the date [28 August] has not been changed, it is understood that it is no longer immutable,” it added. The South African Press Agency quoted Mandela as saying he was encouraged that everything was going to plan. “I am confident we will be able to remove all the impediments before 28 August,” he said.

President Pierre Buyoya on Sunday returned from South Africa, describing his talks with Mandela as “positive”, Burundi radio said. “We thought that at this time when people were talking about the signing of a peace agreement on 28 August, it was necessary for us to have consultations with the mediator, to enable us to speak the same language and avoid misunderstandings,” he told reporters. “We note that there are pending problems which even the mediator himself recognises.”
According to Buyoya, the important factor was not to set dates “but to work on the issues that still need to be elucidated”. “If we can put in place working methods to finish before 28 August, we will sign before that date,” he said. “If we are ready by that date, we will sign on the 28th...If we need more time, everyone will see it, including the mediator, and we will take more time,” Buyoya said. The South African media also quoted Buyoya as telling Mandela he would not accept an “outsider” as leader of the transitional government.