Bujumbura — The talks between PALIPEHUTU-FNL delegates and the facilitator of Burundi's peace process, Charles Nqakula, have achieved progress. Today, the two sides ended their talks in Dar es Salaam on a note of optimism.

No communiqué was issued at the end of these talks which centred on the methodology of the facilitator which PALIPEHUTU-FNL accused of being biased.

Currently, PALIPEHUTU-FNL which has already survived two ultimatums, continues to send good signals to the government of Burundi. After the release of four hostages, PALIPEHUTU-FNL has announced its intention to return to the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism. These gestures, which aim at creating a climate of détente before the resumption of talks, have not impressed the government of Burundi. Last Monday, the spokesperson for the government, Mrs Hafsa Mossi, blamed PALIPEHUTU-FNL for the violence that is currently shaking Burundi.

Despite the government's lack of will, talks between the two sides are due to continue in Dar es Salaam. PALIPEHUTU-FNL leaders still consider the two deals that they struck in 2006 to be empty. They seek fresh talks in order to reach a deal. PALIPEHUTU-FNL believes that the Joint Verification and Implementation Mechanism was incapacitated as the government delegates had no right to make concessions.