Three Tutsi parties agree to sign Arusha accord

The mediator in the Burundi peace process, Nelson Mandela, on Wednesday told a news conference that three Tutsi parties which had earlier refused to sign the Arusha peace accord had now agreed to do so. The announcement followed a meeting between Mandela and the leaders of the parties on Wednesday morning in Johannesburg. The parties which have now undertaken to sign are Ralliement pour la democratie et le developpement economique et social (RADDES), Alliance nationale pour le droit et le developpement economique (ANADDE) and Parti independent des travailleurs (PIT). The accord was signed by most parties and the Tutsi-led Burundian government, but the two main Hutu armed rebel groups have yet to to do so. The government and the rebels have swopped accusations since the Arusha accord was signed at the end last month of launching attacks on each others supporters. Independent sources say several people have been killed in and around Bujumbura, but say it is not clear who is responsible. On Tuesday, local radio reported the President Pierre Buyoya had visited Cankuzo in eastern Burundi and one of the worst-hit regions. It said he held meetings with officials from the military and the territorial administration, heads of religious denominations and various services operating within the province in order to show his solidarity with the local people.