Uganda military pessimistic on reported Kony talks

[November 21, 2013]  NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The spokesman for Uganda's military says he's pessimistic that reported contact with rebel leader and accused war criminal Joseph Kony will bear fruit.

Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda said Thursday that Uganda supports in principle any initiative by the Central African Republic to engage in talks with Kony, but noted that its the third time there have been reports of such efforts. Ankunda said Uganda is "waiting to see" if talks work this time.

The African Union envoy in charge of pursuing Kony's Lord's Resistance Army said Wednesday at the United Nations in New York that reports indicate Kony is ill.

Ambassador Francisco Madeira said Central African Republic President Michel Djotodia told him he and his people have been in contact with Kony, and "they want to encourage him to surrender."

[Associated Press]

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