Bishops appeal for peace

Burundian bishops have urged all sides in the Burundi conflict to "follow reason" and bring about peace. In a recent statement, received by IRIN, the bishops said divisions among the country's parties had seriously hindered the progress achieved both within and outside Burundi. The armed wings of the rebel CNDD-FDD and Palipehutu groups were still excluded from the Arusha process which meant the attacks against civilians continued. The bishops also believed religious organisations should be represented in Arusha. The statement criticised the international community's condition that the resumption of aid would depend on the signing of an accord in Arusha. "This is pure and simply punishing the Burundian people who have a right, like all the people of the world, to the solidarity of the international community," the statement said.