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Burundi appoint four rebels to govt posts
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BUJUMBURA (Reuters) - Burundi appointed former Hutu rebels to four cabinet posts on Sunday in the clearest sign yet of the central African country's wish to heal the wounds of a decade-long civil war that has killed 300,000 people.
The appointment, which aims to give Hutus more jobs in the Tutsi-dominated government ahead of elections, is part of a three-year transition to democracy brokered in 2000.
A presidential statement read on television and radio named Pierre Nkurunziza, leader of the Forces for the Defence of Democracy (FDD) rebel group, minister of state.
Simon Nyandwi was named interior minister, Onesime Nduwimana communications minister and Salvator Ntahomenyereye public works minister.
Earlier, a presidential spokesman said the FDD would be handed the interior and public security ministry but officials later said the portfolio had been split.
However, as minister of state Nkurunziza is expected to be consulted by President Domitien Ndayizeye on all matters relating to security.
FDD officials were not immediately available for comment and it was not clear when a swearing-in ceremony would take place or when the new ministers would start work.
Ndayizeye and the FDD agreed last month to share power to try to end the war.
Under the deal, the former rebels will make up 40 percent of the army and police, giving Hutus, the majority ethnic group in Burundi, broader representation in the Tutsi-dominated army and government.
The FDD will also be represented by 15 members of parliament.
The army is still battling the Forces for the National Liberation (FNL) rebel group, which has refused to join the peace process and denounced the government's deal with the FDD.
Analysts say the addition of FDD forces will give the army a better chance of defeating the FNL, who were given three months by regional leaders to join the peace process or be branded outcasts.
Ndayizeye, himself a Hutu, took over from Tutsi Pierre Buyoya in April, mid-way through the three-year interim period. He has called for elections before his term ends next October.
