A joint statement by the Burundi government and the country's last remaining rebel group says they have signed a «cessation of hostilities. » The statement says Monday's pact has been signed by Evariste Ndayishiniye for the government and National Liberation Force spokesman Pasteur Habimana. A previous cease-fire signed in 2006 failed to hold, after the two sides disagreed on its implementation although neither side renounced it. At least 17 people died in fighting between the rebels and government last month. The rebels were also blamed for shelling the capital of Bujumbura in May, according to a report of the Associated Press.
