Kony not ready to negotiate
Sep 25, 2005
LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony has refused to have peace talks with the Government, internal affairs minister Ruhakana Rugunda has said.
By Mariam Nalunkuuma and Apollo Mubiru
LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony has refused to have peace talks with the Government, internal affairs minister Ruhakana Rugunda has said.
“President Museveni and his government are committed to ending the 20-year-long insurgency.
“The Government has now embarked on a multi-prolonged approach to ensure that the war ends expeditiously. But Kony has refused to have peace talks,†Rugunda said, adding, “The doors for talking to Kony are open 24-hours.â€
He warned political parties against saying president Yoweri Museveni did not want to talk to Kony.
Rugunda was yesterday closing a consultative national dialogue on managing the challenges of the political transition.
The dialogue was organised by the Northern Uganda Women Forum, the Uganda Women parliamentary Association and the West Minister Foundation.
Leaders of political parties present at the dialogue accused Museveni of refusing to have talks with parties as the country moves into a multiparty system.
Rugunda said, “president Museveni had talks with parties but they decided to boycott them. What did you want the President to do?â€
He said Museveni and the Movement believed in using the cheapest methods to solve national problems.
Rugunda commended the UPDF for ensuring security in displaced persons’ camps.
“The UPDF has done its role. It has ensured security in the camps and the situation has improved,†he said.
Ends
LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony has refused to have peace talks with the Government, internal affairs minister Ruhakana Rugunda has said.
“President Museveni and his government are committed to ending the 20-year-long insurgency.
“The Government has now embarked on a multi-prolonged approach to ensure that the war ends expeditiously. But Kony has refused to have peace talks,†Rugunda said, adding, “The doors for talking to Kony are open 24-hours.â€
He warned political parties against saying president Yoweri Museveni did not want to talk to Kony.
Rugunda was yesterday closing a consultative national dialogue on managing the challenges of the political transition.
The dialogue was organised by the Northern Uganda Women Forum, the Uganda Women parliamentary Association and the West Minister Foundation.
Leaders of political parties present at the dialogue accused Museveni of refusing to have talks with parties as the country moves into a multiparty system.
Rugunda said, “president Museveni had talks with parties but they decided to boycott them. What did you want the President to do?â€
He said Museveni and the Movement believed in using the cheapest methods to solve national problems.
Rugunda commended the UPDF for ensuring security in displaced persons’ camps.
“The UPDF has done its role. It has ensured security in the camps and the situation has improved,†he said.
Ends