CAR Crisis Talks Begin in Gabon

{{Seleka Rebels of Central Africa and Government representatives have began talks in Gabon.}}

The rebels are headed by Michel Djotodia.

Several different groups from Central African Republic gathered for the talks including CAR political opposition and civic organizations.

Also present at the talks include several ministers of the 10 countries in the Economic Community of Central African States.

Officials say the talks are about the revision of a peace agreement signed in 2007 but the rebels have stated they want the talks to be about the resignation of Bozize.

Organizers say the issues raised at the talks are to be discussed Thursday at a summit in Libreville of the heads of state of neighboring countries.

While the rebels are demanding that Bozize step down from power, the president Tuesday spoke to the press in Central African Republic’s capital, Banjul, and made it clear that he intends to stay in office.

“Why negotiate?” said Bozize to Radio France International. “Does the rebellion represent the Central African people who have elected me twice? What have I done wrong? I do my job. A rebellion that is growing brutally, that is attacking us. No, I have nothing to negotiate.

If I did, the law of the jungle would prevail. And could it spread elsewhere, even to developed countries.”