“Government would not be an obstacle” - Buyoya

Burundi’s President Pierre Buyoya told the nation in his New Year message on Monday that his government would not be an obstacle to the setting of the transitional institutions. Burundi radio quoted him as saying that the solution to the issue would be found by referring to the peace accord and by considering the situation prevailing in the country. He called on signatories to the peace accord to meet and see whether the continuation of the war did not “in fact” prevent the setting up of the transitional institutions. Buyoya, however, pointed out that the government would not accept haste in the setting up of the institutions, since haste could lead the country into “regression”.

“We will not accept, we will not even tolerate institutions which will bring us back to the killings and chaos Burundi experienced in 1994, 1995 and 1996. I support any steps likely to restore peace and security in Burundi,” he said. Buyoya said that the clauses of the peace accord which could be implemented would be implemented. “As a result, from the first fortnight of the month of January 2001 onwards, the accord signatories will establish a timetable for what can be implemented in conformity with the accord, taking into account the situation prevailing in the country,” he said. He reiterated that his government would spare no effort in finding a solution to pending issues like cessation of hostilities.