Inkatha breakthrough imminent with NP, ANC [1994]
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1994-04-18
Transcript:
In South Africa, a breakthrough may be imminent to stem recent political violence. Political leaders appear to have found a way to end the standoff over the country's first all-race elections. Another meeting is set for Tuesday to finalise the deal. CNN's peter Arnett reports.
Following six hours of talks in Pretoria aimed at ending a major political standoff in South Africa, the official line was guardedly optimistic.
Buthelezi: "Our talks today have gone very well."
So well, in fact, that sources tell CNN that details of a plan to bring the Zulus into the election have been OKd by negotiators for the government and for the Zulu chief, and a document has been drawn up that must now only be approved by the ANC leader, Nelson Mandela. A summit meeting between Mandela, President de Klerk and Buthelezi is scheduled for Tuesday. A source close to the negotiations says, quote: "We are very close to having Buthelezi on board." The unwillingness of Buthelezi and his Inkatha party to participate in the elections has raced the spectre of escalating violence, even a civil war. Buthelezi had been pushing repeatedly for a delay in the elections - a demand that is no longer an issue.
Buthelezi: "I don't think that there is any possibility of postponing the election."
These peace talks are of particular importance to the financial capital of Johannesburg. That city is facing the threat of potentially violent and disruptive illegal demonstrations planned by militant Zulus. Parts of downtown Johannesburg resembled a fortified encampment early Monday morning as authorities brace for trouble. The Inkatha Youth League had called for marches to the rival ANC headquarters, site of a bloody massacre three weeks ago. And, even though these marches have been called off at the last minute, the government was taking no chances of a repeat of the earlier trouble. Late Monday, the Inkatha militants postponed their plans for a Tuesday work stoppage. Outside Johannesburg, violence continued. It began with a soldier's burst of gunfire as rival black factions battled in Thokoza township. A group of news photographers were caught in the crossfire as they tried to cover the firefight. They scrambled for safety, but two were wounded, and another, Ken Oosterbroek, chief photographer of the Johannesburg Star, was killed in the confusion of battle.
"cease fire! Don't touch your weapons!"
"Cease fire! Cease fire!"
As the shooting subsided, the casualties were taken to area hospitals for treatment. A stark reminder that, even as talks aimed at achieving a more peaceful South Africa were progressing, the killing and strife continues.
Peter Arnett, CNN, Johannesburg.
People:
Bettina Lüscher
Peter Arnett
Ken Oosterbroek
Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Inkatha Freedom Party
F.W. de Klerk
Nelson Mandela
King Goodwill Zwelethini
Dates:
1994-04-08
1994-04-18
Places:
Atlanta, GA
Thokoza (Tokoza)
Johannesburg
South Africa
Pretoria
ANC Headquarters
Organisations:
Ikatha Party
ANC
South African Government
The Star
Channels:
CNN International
Tags:
elections
photographers
cross-fire
killed in action
Text:
CNN
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Pretoria, South Africa
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CNN INTERNATIONAL
WORLD NEWS
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Mangosuthu Buthelezi
Inkatha Freedom Party
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Peter Arnett, CNN
Pretoria, South Africa
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TONIGHT
The Star
IFP marchers mark time
In the heat of the moment
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220
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B
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HAPPY SHOPPING AT THE TRADERS MARKET
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THE IFP IS THE
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DEMOCRACY WORKS
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IFP