FRODEBU-Minani calls for consensus on transition

The exiled wing of the opposition FRODEBU party has released a statement inviting its chairman, Jean Minani, to “urgently hold and conclude the necessary consultations with a view to obtaining a wide consensus on a charismatic leader to lead the country during the transitional period”. FRODEBU reaffirmed its “firm wish to reach a peace agreement where everyone is a winner”, the private NetPress agency reported. The party urged its delegates at the Arusha talks to strive for “wisdom and selflessness so that appropriate compromises are reached in the shortest time possible”. It also called on all “other negotiating parties to do the same so that Burundians find peace, security and democracy which they are so much in need of”. FRODEBU urged the current government “not to make things worse during these difficult times but to promote activities that will create a favourable social and political atmosphere for the implementation of the peace agreement and national reconciliation”. It advised all negotiating parties to do everything so that the necessary conditions for the cessation of hostilities and a permanent ceasefire are established within the framework of the current general peace agreement.