BURUNDI’S national assembly has adopted by acclamation the transitional constitution that will guide the workings of the three-year government due to begin functioning on 1 November. The ABP news agency reported that the “status and restoration of the monarchy can only occur by referendum” and that “all authorised political parties or movements” can take part in [government] institutions, including the integration of the defence and security forces, taking into account the internal political configuration, in return for a commitment to work towards peace, national reconciliation and democracy. During the three-year transitional period armed movements will be incorporated into the defence and security forces on the basis of the permanent cease-fire signed by the belligerents, and through the recruitment of other Burundi citizens. – Irin