Mandela is optimistic on Burundi peace

The former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has expressed optimism that a peace agreement is achievable in Burundi.

Mr Mandela was speaking after a series of separate meetings in Johannesburg with the parties involved in the seven-year conflict in Burundi, including the mainly Hutu rebel groups and Tutsi-led government.

Mr Mandela had been hoping to seal a peace agreement by June this year but he said that this would have to be postponed to give rebel leaders more time to study the draft peace proposals.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service