BuaNews (Tshwane)
Michael Appel
12 June 2008
Magaliesberg — The Burundi government and the rebel Palipehutu-FNL on Wednesday committed themselves to lasting peace through the Magaliesberg Communiqué on the Burundi Peace Process.
The Group of Special Envoys on Burundi, with Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula heading the facilitation team, welcomed the commitment of both parties to build confidence and move the peace process forward.
"It noted with satisfaction the common messages delivered by the Government of Burundi and the Palipehutu-FNL on the root causes and consequences of the conflict as well as the key socio-economic challenges facing Burundi," said Special Envoy Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo.
The Burundi government and the rebel movement met in Magaliesberg this week to discuss steps to be taken to ensure an end to the hostilities and a lasting peace.
The ambassador said the group of special envoys congratulated both parties on the resumption of the work of the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JVMM), the ending of hostilities, and the adoption of a Joint Operational Plan on disarmament.
"The Group of Special Envoys on Burundi expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation for the recent achievements and ongoing efforts of the Regional Peace Initiative for Peace in Burundi; the South African Facilitation; and the Political Directorate.
"It acknowledged the financial and military assistance provided by the government of South Africa as well as that of Burundi's international partners in support of the Burundi peace process."
While the country is quite firmly on its way to sustainable and lasting peace, which will be encouraged further by post-conflict reconstruction, the Special Envoys on Burundi appealed to all political actors in Burundi to refrain from any action that could jeopardise the progress achieved.
The two parties agreed to fully respect the timelines outlined in the Revised Programme of Action to further the Burundi Peace Process, including the implementation of the agreements signed in 2006.
Another crucial action that needs to be undertaken is the registration of the Palipehutu-FNL as a political party in Burundi said Mr Mamabolo.
"The Group of Special Envoys on Burundi expressed its intention to support the transformation of the Palipehutu-FNL into a political party, including the provision of training of its cadres.
"The Group of Special Envoys on Burundi will also pay special attention to the reintegration aspects of the disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration process of former combatants.
"In order to help create an environment conducive to the peace process, the Group of Special Envoys on Burundi agreed to consider ways of providing financial support to the Government of Burundi to address the pressures caused by rising prices of food and fuel," he concluded.
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