United Nations Radio

Ambassador Ulla Strom of Sweden today stressed the importance of implementing a ceasefire agreement reached in 2006 by the government and the last active rebel movement in Burundi, known as Palipehutu-FNL.

In a statement to the Security Council on behalf of the Chairman of the Peace Building Commission dealing with Burundi, she said positive developments have occurred since the last meeting in May.

Ambassador Strom said that among other things, the return of the leader of Palipehutu - FNL Agathon Rwasa to the capital Bujumbura and the meeting between him and President Pierre Nkurunziza on 28 August are steps forward in the peace process.

"This positive momentum must be seized upon and every effort should be made to finalize the implementation of the cease-fire Agreement by the end of 2008, well in advance of the 2010 elections in order to avoid the convergence of these two critical processes."

Ambassador Strom of Sweden called on the international community to continue to support regional efforts, including the South African facilitation to help Burundi consolidate peace.

For United Nations Radio, I'm Dianne Penn.

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