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Mobutu-Kabila talks planned; success uncertain
Warning of Zaire massacre called 'nonsense'
April 18, 1997
Web posted at: 9:26 a.m. EDT (1326 GMT)Latest developments:
- Mobutu agrees in principle to talks
- Kabila wants surrender, not negotiations
- Massacre plan denied
- Related stories and sites
KINSHASA, Zaire (CNN) -- A meeting between Zairean President Mobutu Sese Seko and rebel leader Laurent Kabila is being planned, but it is far from certain that talks would accomplish anything.
Mobutu, according to an aide, has agreed in principle to meet Kabila in South Africa at the invitation of President Nelson Mandela. The meeting could take place next week.
But Kabila, whose forces control more than half of Zaire, ruled out lengthy talks with Zaire's longtime ruler, saying he would only attend a short ceremony for the transfer of power. It seemed certain that Mobutu would reject such a plan.
"There will be no protracted negotiations with Mobutu, never, never," Kabila said in Lubumbashi, Zaire's second largest city.
The rebel leader said his forces would "march on" to the capital, Kinshasa, arriving there within three weeks, if Mobutu declined to give up power.
On Thursday, Mandela formally invited the Zairian president and the rebel leader to hold talks in South Africa as soon as possible. Officials there believe Cape Town is the most likely meeting place.
South Africa has already hosted talks between envoys for Mobutu and Kabila.
Massacre plan denied
Mobutu's son and spokesman, Nzanga Mobutu, confirmed on Thursday that his 66-year-old father was now willing to meet Kabila but cast doubt on any prospect of Zaire's ruler of 32 years stepping aside.
Nzanga said Mobutu's departure from power would bring chaos to Zaire.
Mobutu's son also denied rebel claims that Mobutu had ordered a massacre of Western civilians in order to trigger international intervention.
"This is pure intoxication. It is ridiculous nonsense," Nzanga said.
"There's no foreigner here who will be killed by the government of Zaire, they are trying to spread panic."
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Focus: Conflict in Zaire
- The roots of Zaire's unrest - April 2, 1997
- Zaire rebels: New prime minister changes nothing - April 2, 1997
- Zaire disputes rebel claim of capturing strategic town - March 29, 1997
- Zairian rebels, Mobutu agree to begin talks - March 27, 1997
- Zairian president wants team formed to talk with rebels - March 25, 1997
- Zairian rebels to participate in Africa summit - March 24, 1997
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