New mediators sought after rebel rejection

The OAU is searching for new mediators to lead the proposed inter-Congolese negotiations on the political future of the country, following last week's rejection by RCD-Goma of previously-suggested facilitators, 'The East African' newspaper reported on Monday. The Political Committee created under the Lusaka agreement to supervise the peace plan was also involved in the search, the newspaper said. Ugandan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Amama Mbabazi, who is chairman of the Lusaka Political Committee, said: "I am in contact with the OAU Secretary General and now we are working on getting names and opinions of people," 'The East African' reported. No choice had been made yet, Mbabazi said. RCD-Goma has rejected three proposed facilitators representing the Rome-based Sant Egidio Community, La Francophonie and the OAU, news agencies said.