African Union top-level delegates pressed the Burundian government Thursday to launch an unconditional dialogue with the opposition, at the start of their visit to the east African country, where 10 months of political violence left hundreds dead, according to dpa. "We firmly believe that the challenges that Burundi faces can only be resolved through participation by all parties in inclusive dialogue," South African President Jacob Zuma said. The delegation including the leaders of Senegal, Mauritania, Gabon and Ethiopia was due to meet President Pierre Nkurunziza to discuss "the best way to solve Burundi's crisis," government spokesman Philippe Nzobonariba said. The delegates met with opposition leaders before holding talks with Nkurunziza, which were scheduled to take place Friday. The AU delegation was expected to focus on the need for the government to negotiate with the opposition in exile, to make police officers accountable for killings of suspected government opponents and for the armed opposition to renounce violence.
