CNDD states conditions for peace

The rebel Conseil national pour la defense de la democratie (CNDD), led by Leonard Nyangoma, has denied “rumours” that the pro-Hutu G7 group in Arusha has put forward a candidate to lead the transition. Some media stories said the group had nominated Domitien Ndayizeye of the external wing of FRODEBU, although according to other reports, Nyangoma is said to have backed President Pierre Buyoya as transitional leader - a move reportedly rejected by the G7. In a statement, received by IRIN on Monday, CNDD said the transition should be directed by a collegiate leadership to “break the stalemate which currently characterises the leadership issue”. On the question of the armed forces reform, CNDD said this should “clearly take into account that the future army will be a fusion of the current army and the forces fighting it”. The group also stressed the need for an international peacekeeping force to ensure implementation of the peace accord.