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The peace talks have been adjourned for two weeks after which the negotiators will reconvene in Arusha to try and tackle other equally sensitive issues such as integrating RPF rebel forces into the Rwandan national army and repatriation and return home of Rwandese refugees.
Another outstanding matter, the determination of the duration of the transitional period, will have to be solved before final signatures can be appended to the long-sought, elusive peace agreement.
"This is the happiest day for us. I think we have reached a point of no return in the quest for peace", Rwandan foreign minister Boniface Ngulinzira declared to AFP on telephone immediately after the signing ceremony at the imposing Arusha International Conference Centre.
Patrick Mazimwahaka of the RPF was also exuberant and declared: "We have gone through one of the toughest stages. We are now hopeful of clinching a peace agreement".
Tanzanian Foreign Minister Ahmed Hassan Diria, who interrupted his holidays to fly here from Zanzibar to witness the signing ceremony, described the protocol as a clear indication that the people of Rwanda are positively disposed to overcome all obstacles that stand in the way of their search for peace and stability.
"It is, therefore, our sincere hope that all peace-loving people and political forces in Rwanda would find it easy and necessary to support this protocol", Diria stressed.
There was jubilation all around in Arusha, including among diplomatic observers at the talks, who expressed hope that a final peace accord for Rwanda was in sight.
"The OAU and Senegal receive with pleasure the new developments. You have crossed the rubicon ... we assure you of all our support so that you can attain peace in your country", declared Ambassador Papa Louis Fall, who is representing Senegalese President Abdou Diouf, the current OAU chairman.
hb/lto/nb AFP AFP SEQN-0082
