Zuma: Good progress in Burundi

2004-11-04 10:18

Cape Town - Remarkable progress has been made in the Burundi peace process, and the light at the end of the tunnel is drawing closer, said deputy-president Jacob Zuma on Wednesday.

Replying to questions in the national assembly, Zuma said Burundi's independent electoral commission (IEC) had made good progress in a short space of time and produced an electoral calendar accepted in Burundi and by all other stakeholders.

A summit of the Great Lakes Regional Peace Initiative in Burundi on October 15 had decided to postpone the election in Burundi from the end of October 2004 to April 22 2005.

The decision was taken after considering a report from the IEC.

Factors considered included a recommendation by the IEC that the referendum on the post-transitional constitution be postponed, a request, also by the IEC, for enough time to make electoral logistical arrangements, and securing funds for elections.

Ceasefire, subsequent agreements

Zuma said Burundi had been relatively stable since the signing of ceasefire and subsequent agreements, which had provided a climate conducive for elections.

"The Palipehutu-FNL led by Agathon Rwasa remains outside the peace process, but poses no threat to the elections," he said.

The establishment of a credible and capable IEC had been a significant development, and it had made good progress in a short space of time.

It had also produced an electoral calendar that was accepted in Burundi and by all other stakeholders.

The African Union, the United Nations and the European Union were helping to secure election funding and infrastructure.

Zuma said: "The people of Burundi have travelled a long road towards peace and stability. A lot of effort has been put into making the peace process work.

"Remarkable progress has been made, and the light at the end of the tunnel is drawing closer."

- SAPA