Clinton, Via TV, Urges Peace in Burundi
In his first foray into video diplomacy, President Clinton urged Burundi’s leaders Tuesday to “accept the risks of peacemaking” and reach a peace settlement.
In a speech beamed via satellite from Washington to negotiators in Tanzania, Clinton said the U.S. supports efforts to resolve the civil war in Burundi, where fighting between Hutu rebels and the Tutsi-dominated army has killed more than 200,000 people since 1993.
“America cares about the peace process there, and America wants all the parties to succeed,” Clinton said, his image glowing from four TV screens in a conference hall in this town. Clinton’s aides said it was the first time the White House had engaged in video diplomacy.
Clinton spoke at the invitation of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who took over last month as mediator of the talks.
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