UN welcomes dialogue between Mozambican president, opposition leader

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday welcomed the meetings between Mozambique's president Filipe Nyusi and the country's main opposition Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama, saying he hopes the meetings would pave the way for the peaceful resolution of outstanding issues.

"He takes note of the progress made in the talks and congratulates both leaders for their commitment to dialogue," said a statement issued by Ban's spokesperson.

Ban also reiterated the UN support to Mozambique as it endeavors to promote development, strong democratic institutions as well as sustainable peace and stability.

Reports said meetings of the two were held in Maputo, capital of Mozambique on Feb. 7-9.

Mozambique has been experiencing tension after last October's general elections, when the polls showed that the ruling Frelimo party and its presidential candidate Nyusi won the elections.

Dhlakama, the leader of the former rebel movement Renamo, rejected the outcome, claiming that the elections were fraudulent in favor of the ruling party and its candidate, an accusation denied by the Frelimo government which has been in power since the southern African country's independence from Portugal in 1975.

The two sides have been in dialogue since 2013, mainly focusing on the integration of Renamo's armed men. Endi