BY CHRISTINA WHITE ARCHBISHOP LAURENT Monsengwo Pasinya, the Catholic Archbishop

of Kisangi, has been re-elected as the speaker of the Zairean parliament against rebel threats that the appointment will not be verified.
Archbishop Monsengwo said that he would accept the post only if it would ensure a peaceful transition of government. But Laurent Kabila's rebel camp have already indicated that they will deal only with dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. Spokesman Bizima Karaha said at the weekend: "If he accepts the job then we will abandon talks and Monsengwo will bear the consequences."
'The Vatican has confirmed that the archbishop will be perrnitteo to take up the post on condition that his election is constitutional and if all parties approve the appointment. They have also called for international support to oversee the change of government. In accordance with Canon Law, clergy are discouraged from being involved in the governing and legislative process. But exceptions may be made where the position is temporary and free of political bias. Rome has indicated that it is "prepared to accept" the appointment. A spokesman for the Vatican Secretariat of State said he thought it likely that Archbishop Monsengwo will take up the post: "Given the gravity of the situation, he would want to attempt a new mediation."
The United States this week gave notice that its nationals should leave Zaire. Other nations are likely to follow suit.