New peace bid for Burundi

A new attempt to achieve a lasting peace settlement in Burundi begins today against the background of renewed violence.

Several African presidents are gathering in the Tanzanian town of Arusha to try to revive a multi-ethnic power-sharing agreement drawn up last August.

The deal was brokered by the former South African president, Nelson Mandela, who will also take part in today's talks. Under it, the warring parties were givern ninety days to select a transitional leader to head a new government.

But so far, no leader has been chosen. As the African leaders gathered, reports from Burundi said Hutu rebels launched a major offensive near the capital, Bujumbura.

The French news agency AFP said fifteen people died in the fighting in which government forces used armoured vehicles to attack rebels who'd occupied the mainly Hutu suburb of Kinama.

Those taking part in today's talks include presidents of Burundi, the Democratic Repulic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and Ethiopia.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service