Church-led talks resume to end political stalemate

CHURCH-led talks aimed at resolving Zaire's growing political crisis resumed this week. more than two months after they were suspended by the government of President Mobutu Sese Seko.
The National Conference of Political Reform, an assembly of 2,800 religious and political leaders, headed by Zaire's Archbishop Monsengwo Pasinya, was working towards a new national constitution and preparing the country for general elections when it was disbanded by the president.
President Mobuto's term of office expired last year, but he has 'so far refused to relinquish power despite intensifying opposition to his rule.
Archbishop Pasinya stressed that international pressure on Zaire could reverse the country's current political paralysis. The conference on reform had begun again after pressure on President Mobuto came from the United States. France and Belgium, he said.
"We are living in a very crazy situation, said Fr Gode lwele, a Catholic priest who has voiced his opposition to the Mobuto regime.
Earlier this year troops shot dead at least 17 demonstrators at a pro-democracy rally organised by Catholic clergy in the Zairean capital. Kinshasa, as thousands gathered after Sunday mass.