Mandela confident of solution

Peace process mediator Nelson Mandela has expressed confidence that the Burundi conflict will be settled, the South African Press Association (SAPA) reported. Addressing journalists in Johannesburg, he said opposition and pro-government groups had agreed to “stop bickering” with each other and within their own groups. “Time is running out...but I’m confident a settlement is likely sooner than we think,” Mandela said. “I can’t speculate when we will reach an agreement but I’m confident that the leaders will find common ground before the funds run out within the next two months.” Mandela also confirmed he had invited several heads of state to the next round of peace talks in Arusha, Tanzania, next month. Burundi President Pierre Buyoya has been summoned to South Africa for a meeting with Mandela on 7 February, ahead of the talks, to discuss the issue of regroupment camps which are “overshadowing the negotiations”, SAPA said.

Meanwhile, US President Bill Clinton has pledged his personal support for Mandela’s peace efforts, news organisations quoted the former South African president as saying. According to Mandela, Clinton will join the peace talks either in person or by video conferencing, the BBC reported. Mandela has also asked French President Jacques Chirac to help him find a settlement to the conflict.