July 2001 Africa News Headlines

PRETORIA - Talks aimed at getting Burundi's rebel forces to sign a ceasefire agreement adjourned in Pretoria on Friday afternoon with Deputy President Jacob Zuma expressing optimism about their outcome.

Technical committees reconvened in the capital on Friday to report back on discussions on outstanding issues relating to the cessation of hostilities.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting on Friday, Zuma said another round of talks would be held at a venue still to be decided from August 13 to 17."

"There are couple of points that need to be clarified.

The committees will continue seeking clarity on these matters and we hope that when we meet again on August 13 to 17, they will have been clarified," Zuma said.

He said the negotiating parties still had to report back to chief mediator Nelson Mandela.

The former South African president who was unable to attend the gathering in Pretoria due to ill health.

Mandela was diagnosed earlier this week with prostate cancer and his doctors have ordered him to rest.

Asked whether he was hoping for more from the discussion, Zuma replied: "Naturally one hopes for more when such discussions take place."

He did not divulge details of the outstanding issues, urging reporters to bear with the authorities for not supplying information.

Zuma, leaders of the Burundian government, the Hutu rebel group Congress for the National Defence of Democracy, and its military wing the Forces for the Defence of Democracy, are striving to reach agreement on a ceasefire ahead of the implementation of the Burundi's transitional government in November. - Nampa-Sapa

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