Nkurunziza optimistic about education, security

During his four-day visit to Belgium, Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza called on leaders of the European Union to drum up support for peace-building and development in his war-torn country. It was his first official visit as a head of state to a European country since his inauguration on 26 August. Nkurunziza expressed his "satisfaction" to Belgium, "which supported Burundi in its most difficult times" and increased its aid by 15 million euros (US $17.6 million) "in order to consolidate the peace." He plans to organise a round table of donors in early 2006. The following are excerpts from an interview in Brussels: QUESTION: You have been in power for three months now. What is your initial assessment of the state of affairs in Burundi? ANSWER: Positive. We notice that Burundians are very committed to the programmes we presented them during the election campaign. The first decision was to make it possible for all children to attend primary school free of charge, which was very much appreciated. The Burundian public - including civil servants - is satisfied because each day it sees messages of support from Burundi's partners. The year 2006 promises to be good. Q: You need more schools, thus more teachers. How will you do this? A: The government is working so that next year there will be mobile schools. In the state budget, the government envisages the provision of $25 million for the construction of primary schools. Many partners have been giving us constant support. Nearly 10,000 teachers will be recruited. We will be able to rehire many unemployed civil servants. Q: Rebels of the Front national de libération (FNL) still have not laid down their weapons. Some people are talking about Burundi and Rwanda coming together to fight the rebels. What do you say about this? A: That is a misinterpretation: Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have decided to render harmless all [foreign armed] movements in eastern Congo. My meeting with the president of Rwanda fell within this undertaking. I will soon meet the Congolese and Tanzanian presidents. It is, therefore, not a question of just a joint action by Burundi and Rwanda. A delegation of the African Union came to Bujumbura to inspect the border with Congo, and ONUB [the UN Mission in Burundi] is redeploying its forces to the frontier. Nevertheless, the government is keeping the door open to members of Palipehutu-FNL. Recently, thousands have surrendered, and we are returning them to their families. Q: What has happened with the fight against impunity? A: Burundi has just emerged from a 10-year crisis, but its problems go back to the time of independence. Negotiations are currently in progress with the UN for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission - undoubtedly in the next year. A special office will be set up to pursue those responsible for different crimes.