New transitional government.

• Author: Rutsch, Horst
• Position: PeaceWatch: Burundi

Calling it a defining moment in the history of Burundi, Secretary-General Kofi Annan on 1 November hailed the inauguration of the country's transitional government as an event that demonstrated the ability of Africans to find solutions to the continents problems. The Secretary-General congratulated President Pierre Buyoya and Vice-President Domitien Ndayizeye and all the other members of the transitional institutions, wishing them "every success in the challenging days ahead". He praised the Facilitator of the peace process, Nelson Mandela, the leaders of the region and the Burundian parties for their initiative and relentless efforts to make the day possible. Noting that the people of Burundi had suffered immensely, Mr. Annan said alleviating their plight and moving the country towards reconstruction and development must be the priority. He also pledged UN commitment to support the Government and people of Burundi in their ongoing quest for durable peace, recalling that the Security Council had endorsed effo rts to support implementation of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. On 29 October, the Council unanimously adopted a resolution backing the establishment of an interim multinational security presence in Burundi, at the request of its Government, to protect returning exiles and train an all-Burundian protection force. It called on the parties to the Arusha Agreement and the armed groups--the Forces pour la Defense de Ia Democratie and Forces Nationales de Liberation--to immediately stop all violent acts against...