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BURUNDI : Zuma arrives in Bujumbura

NAIROBI, 10 January (IRIN) - South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma arrived in Bujumbura on Thursday, sources in the Burundi capital told IRIN.

South Africa's Foreign Ministry reported on Wednesday that the visit would be part of Pretoria's ongoing efforts to achieve the successful implementation of the Arusha peace and reconciliation process agreed to by 19 Burundi political parties and the former government. Two Hutu armed rebel groups refused to sign the deal.

Zuma's visit followed that of Burundi President Pierre Buyoya to South Africa on 14 and 15 December 2001. Zuma is expected to brief Burundi's transitional government on progress made in negotiations with the rebels, to exchange views, and receive a report from the transitional government on progress made so far in consolidating the peace process.

Zuma is also scheduled to meet Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa on 12 January. He will brief Mkapa on developments in Burundi and seek Tanzanian support, as a strategic partner in the region, in finding a lasting solution to Burundi's problems.

[ENDS]