DATE=8/28/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON-BURUNDI UPDATE (L)
NUMBER=2-265915
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=ARUSHA
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: President Clinton has witnessed the signing of
a framework agreement aimed at ending Burundi's Civil
War, during a ceremony in Arusha, Tanzania. But, five
of the delegates to the peace conference refused to
sign the pact. Mr. Clinton urged them to drop their
opposition and warned of the consequences.
Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from Arusha.
TEXT: The mediator of the Burundi Peace Talks former
South African President Nelson Mandela had hoped all
the representatives of the warring parties would sign
a peace agreement Monday. He says he had received
commitment from all the parties that they were ready
to sign. But, when the ceremony opened he
acknowledged with great disappointment and bitterness
that some of the parties had backed out.
President Clinton who has mediated conflicts from the
Middle East to the Balkans in Northern Ireland urged
those factions who refused to sign the agreement to
reconsider.
///CLINTON ACT///
I do think it is absolutely certain that if you
let this moment slip away it will dig the well
of bitterness deeper and pile the mountain of
grievances higher. So, that some day when
somebody else has to come here and sit at a
table like this they will have an even harder
job then you do. So I urge you to work with
President Mandela. I urge you to work with each
other to seize the opportunity that exists right
now. And I urge those groups including the
rebels who are not now part of this process to
join and begin taking your own risk for peace.
No one can have a free ride here.
///END ACT///
Mr. Clinton said just signing the framework deal would
not alone restore the bonds of trust among the
parties, nor the understanding that is necessary for
people to live together.
He says success depends on their actions and their
words in the weeks and months ahead.
U-S officials sought to put a positive face on the
situation, saying Mr. Clinton was not disappointed
that a comprehensive peace agreement was not signed
Monday. Rather they say the President was encouraged
that the parties have come as far they have in the
peace process.
Fighting between soldiers of the Tutsi-led government
and rebels of the Hutu majority has claimed the lives
of 200-thousand people since it began in 1993.
(Signed)
NEB/DT/LTD-T/FC
28-Aug-2000 15:29 PM EDT (28-Aug-2000 1929 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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