Burundi rivals agree to hold talks to end crisis

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza has agreed to begin talks with the opposition to bring an end to a nearly year-long political crisis. Ban announced the breakthrough Tuesday after meetings with Nkurunziza, opposition leaders and civil society groups in the capital Bujumbura.  The U.N. chief said that all sides had […]

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza has agreed to begin talks with the opposition to bring an end to a nearly year-long political crisis.
Ban announced the breakthrough Tuesday after meetings with Nkurunziza, opposition leaders and civil society groups in the capital Bujumbura.  The U.N. chief said that all sides had promised to engage in “inclusive dialogue.”
“Burundi’s political leaders must be ready to summon the courage and the confidence that will make a credible political process possible,” Ban said during a joint news conference with Nkurunziza.
The Burundian president said in his statement that he is ready to meet with his opponents and said he is releasing political prisoners as a demonstration of good will.
Nkurunziza said “We have shown our commitment with the announcement to free 2,000 prisoners, excluding those accused of disturbing the peace.”