Ceasefire negotiations delayed to 13 July

Negotiations between the Burundian government and the remaining rebel group, the Forces nationales de libération (FNL), have been postponed until 13 July after the parties failed to agree a permanent truce, mediators said. "It became evident there is a need for further consultation on the matter," the South African-led mediation team said in a statement issued to the media in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's commercial capital, where the talks were held. "The ceasefire negotiations under [these] circumstances have been adjourned for a week to facilitate the necessary consultations," according to the statement. The talks stalled when the parties failed to reach a compromise on the national army, which the FNL would like to see dissolved, while the government welcomes the integration of rebel soldiers into the army. On Wednesday, Burundian Home Affairs Minister Evariste Ndayishimiye blamed the FNL for the stalemate, saying the government would not compromise on military issues. "We have already created an integrated army in Burundi, which comprises members who were formerly known as rebels," Ndayishimiye said. "Harmonisation and training is now in its final stages. Let them [FNL] bring soldiers to be integrated to the army." He added that a constitution endorsed by Burundians in 2005 had clear arrangements governing the army, police, parliament and other national institutions. However, FNL spokesman Pasteur Habimana said the movement was committed to the talks "until true peace" is restored in Burundi. Meanwhile, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete has asked the FNL to drop their demand for dissolution of the Burundian army and return to the negotiating table. "You cannot expect changes in the government or the army if you continue to remain outside the system," Kikwete said in a statement following talks with FNL leader Agathon Rwasa in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday. On 18 June, the government and the FNL signed a preliminary accord setting a 1 July deadline for the signing of a permanent peace accord, aimed at bringing to an end 13 years of civil war that has claimed some 300,000 lives in the country. jk/aw/js/mw