Rebel group ready to enter dialogue

The rebel group Parti pour la libération du peuple hutu-Forces nationales de libération (PALIPEHUTU-FNL) has expressed readiness to participate in a dialogue under the auspices of the mediators in the search for a lasting solution to the conflict in Burundi, according to a statement from the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The PALIPEHUTU-FNL delegation to the OAU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, comprising Vice-President Jean-Bosco Sindayigaya, and senior officials Alain Mugabarabona and Freddy Minani, presented the group's position on the Burundian conflict and the peace process, the statement said. The delegates, who were in Addis Ababa on Thursday and Friday last week at the invitation of OAU Secretary-General Amara Essy, had submitted "some proposals" to the organisation, it added. During their stay, the delegates held in-depth discussions with representatives of the OAU secretariat-general led by the assistant secretary-general in charge of political affairs, followed by a working session in the presence of Gabon's ambassador and representative at the OAU, as well as a representative of the embassy of South Africa in Addis Ababa. The delegation was also received by Essy. Essy stressed the importance and urgency of dialogue and the need for a peaceful settlement of the conflict, the OAU statement said. Essy and other OAU officials urged the PALIPEHUTU-FNL to join the peace process and the dialogue being conducted under the auspices of President Omar Bongo of Gabon and South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma.