CONGO: PEACE TALKS ON CRISIS IN ZAIRE CALLED OFF AT LAST MINUTE

(14 May 1997) Natural Sound

Efforts to avoid a bloody battle for the Zairean capital were dealt a major blow Wednesday when planned peace talks were called off at the last minute.

The day began with high hopes that Zairean President Mobutu Sese Seko and rebel leader Laurent Kabila would reach an agreement to end the rebels' military advances and pave the way for a democratic transition.

But it ended with mediators scrambling to salvage their efforts and bring the two men together quickly.

Kabila refused to go on board the South African ship, arguing he'd had information that there was a plot against him.

Then, Kabila demanded that the ship steam into international waters before he would board.

But South African President Nelson Mandela, who's brokering the talks, has refused to agree to this.

The peace talks are now expected to resume on Thursday.

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