Bozize says transition period to last 18-30 months

The self-declared president of the Central African Republic (CAR), Francois Bozize, said in a radio broadcast on Thursday that a transitional period would last between 18 and 30 months. Bozize promised in a speech carried on government-run Radio Centrafrique that he would restore peace and security, and fight corruption and poverty during that time. He said that measures had been taken, including the suspension of timber and mineral exploitation, to eradicate "mafia networks" that had corrupted those sectors. He also announced, in a reference to civil servants who have not been receiving wages, that payment of salaries would start from next week. Bozize said a newly-formed National Transitional Council would have two major tasks: namely to draft the electoral code and fix a "realistic electoral time-frame"; and to organise a national dialogue. The idea of a national dialogue was initiated by former president Ange-Felix Patasse, who was ousted by Bozize in a coup on 15 March. Bozize also urged officials of the former government who have been hiding in the Chadian, French and Nigerian embassies since the coup to return to their homes. If charges were for any reason to be laid against them, they would be guaranteed a fair hearing, Bozize said.