Bujumbura — Members of the parliament and the senate have begun their October session. Parliament will not, however, analyse the draft law governing the budget for the year of 2008 as it is not included in the agenda.

This session in principle was dedicated to the study and revision of this law. The budget for the second semester of 2007 was not reviewed in the last session which ended a month ago.

An institutional crisis undermined the efficacy of the parliament during its last session, resulting in the ratification of very few laws.

This session, however, begins on a note of optimism. After the Head of state and leaders of major opposition parties have reached an agreement on basic principles. This agreement might have a positive impact on the effectiveness of parliament.