National reconciliation talks begin

Central African Republic’s long-awaited national dialogue started on Monday, aimed at reconciling the nation deeply divided by years of armed conflict, coups and ethnic rivalries. A total of 350 delegates, representing different political, social, religious and professional affiliations, dedicated the first day to the adoption of the agenda and the verification of delegates' credentials. The deputy coordinator of the talks, the Rev Josue Binoua, said six false credentials had already been detected. One of them was a driver of a governor who had tried to pass himself off as a mayor. "All the six are now in police custody," Binoua said. Delegates will discuss and make recommendations on national reconciliation; political and diplomatic issues; the economy and finances; educational, cultural and social matters. A 40-member commission, which received the support of 15 UN experts, has already drawn up agendas for each of the issues. The talks, first proposed in November 2002 by former President Ange-Felix Patasse, failed to take place in March following a coup by current leader Francois Bozize. Patasse has been barred from attending the talks and former President Andre Kolingba has not announced his attendance. The talks take place amid tight security. This followed a communique issued by the Ministry For Public Security on 8 September saying there was a plot to use mercenaries to scuttle the talks. The peacekeeping force of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States and the CAR army, have increased checks on vehicular traffic, especially at the main entries of the capital. The UN, the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, the African Union, and the organisation of French speaking countries, Le Francophonie, have commended Bangui for organising the dialogue due to end on 30 September.