McAskie urges new political leaders to negotiate peace with FNL rebels

The head of the UN Mission in Burundi, Carolyn McAskie, called on politicians on Monday to negotiate a ceasefire with the country's remaining rebel group, the Palipehutu-FNL of Agaton Rwasa, ir order to finalise the current peace process.

McAskie was speaking in Bujumbura, the capital, during the last review of the transitional government and parliament, by the Implementation and Monitoring Committee of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi, which she chairs. The FNL is not among the 19 parties to the accord and has recently expanded its armed operations outside Bujumbura Rural Province.

She, who is also the Special Representative of UN Secretary-General to Burundi, called on the FNL to engage in sincere negotiations for a permanent and lasting ceasefire.

She told politicians that the peace process should continue beyond elections and that the new government should finalise reforms in the security services, on land issues as well as undertake refugee repatriation.