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Burundi gov't, opposition agree to fast-track peace talks to end crisis: mediator

Xinhua, July 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who is mediating talks in Burundi, said the government, opposition and civil society have agreed to fast-track talks aimed at ending the crisis in the East African country.

In a State House statement on Wednesday, Museveni said that the warring parties have agreed to unconditionally and expeditiously continue with talks in order to reach an agreement on political issues affecting Burundi's current situation.

During a two-day visit to Burundi, Museveni said that Uganda's defense minister Crispus Kiyonga would arrive in Burundi on Thursday to continue mediating the talks requested by East African leaders.

On July 6, East African Community (EAC) leaders appointed Museveni to lead and facilitate the high-level dialogue in a bid to find a lasting solution to the current political situation in Burundi. Burundi's presidential election was postponed to July 30 to make way for the talks.

Burundi's opposition accuses President Pierre Nkurunziza of violating the country's constitution by running for a third-term presidency while the limit is two. However, Nkurunziza has insisted on pursuing the presidency, denying any violation of the constitution. The confrontation has sparked a wave of political violence in the country. Endi