ZAIRE: KINSHASA: PRESIDENT SEKO IS PREPARED TO MEET REBEL LEADER

Описание: (12 Apr 1997) Eng/French/Nat

The Zairian President Mobutu Sese Seko indicated for the first time Saturday that he would be willing to meet rebel leader Laurent Kabila face to face.

The meeting has been one of the key demands of Kabila's rebels, who have captured nearly half of the country in their seven-month push to overthrow Mobutu.

Under pressure from Western allies and eastern rebels, Zairian President Mobutu Sese Seko indicated for the first time Saturday he would be willing to meet face to face with rebel leader Laurent Kabila.

The meeting has been one of the key demands of Kabila's rebels, who have captured nearly half of Zaire in their seven-month rebellion to overthrow Mobutu's 31-year dictatorship.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
" If he asks politely, I cannot refuse to meet a Zairian compatriot. But to be in Goma and declare I am giving him three days to answer...This is not my style, it is not my nature, I cannot reply"
SUPER CAPTION: Mobutu Sese Seko, President of Zaire

After making huge gains this month Kabila said he only wanted Mobutu's resignation
before Sunday and threatened to overrun Kinshasa.

But the ailing president dismissed the rebel demand to step down by Sunday, referring to Kabila as a «bandit chief.»

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"Listen, all that happened was because I was sick. I was in my sick bed when it all started. They stabbed in the back so what is happening to us could happen. It's all."
SUPER CAPTION: Mobutu Sese Seko, President of Zaire

Mobutu said he did not feel threatened by the approaching rebel forces who claimed last week to be just 160 miles (260 kilometres) north-east of Kinshasa.

It was the embattled president's longest and most in-depth news conference since returning to Zaire last month from Switzerland, where he was being treated for prostate cancer.

The 66-year old Zairian leader was joined by the new Prime Minister Likulia Bolongo.

Mobutu named Likulia Bolongo, a four-star general, his prime minister on Wednesday, amid hopes that his tattered army could be reinvigorated.

The new Prime Minister formed a new Cabinet on Friday and promised to rebuild the army and bring back order and discipline to a government under rebel siege.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"The defence of the territory means the restructuring of the army in order to allow the public to understand our willingness to build a new republican army"
SUPER CAPTION: Likulia Bolongo, Zairian Prime Minister

He is the third Prime Minister in two weeks.

Likulia replaces Etienne Tshisekedi, a popular opposition leader who was blocked by Mobutu loyalists from taking office on Wednesday.

Tshisekedi had previously taken the place of Leon Kengo wa Dondo, the fall guy for the army's losses to eastern rebels.

The Zairian leader has been desperately trying to salvage his government considering everyday new options to solve the 7-month old crisis.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"My hopes, I still believe elections can decide, you know, and I said it in an interview with the local T-V I think only elections can bring a different figure, a different face of the political arena in this country".
SUPER CAPTION: Mobutu Nzanga, Mobutu's son and Communications advisor

But even with the democratic approach of his entourage, President Mobutu will yet have to find venues to avoid plunging the entire country in total chaos.

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