Leadership issue not a priority - Buyoya

President Pierre Buyoya, speaking late on Monday upon his return from Arusha, said leadership of the transition period was not an issue. “All the conditions have not yet been met to resolve that question,” he told private Umwizero radio. He said the signatories were working out a timetable to study the issue, adding that “this will take some time”. Mandela has stressed that he wants a swift resolution of the leadership issue, and agreement on a ceasefire. The armed rebel groups - CNDD-FDD and PALIPEHUTU-FNL who did not take part in the Arusha peace process - have said they are not bound by the terms of the agreement, and CNDD-FDD has offered to hold direct talks with the government. Buyoya said if the offer was genuine, this was a positive move.