NPR's Michael Skoler reports from Kinshasa that Zaire's new prime minister said today that peace talks with rebel forces scheduled to begin in South Africa this weekend are unnecessary, because he did not appoint the government team. Etienne Tshisekedi's remarks heightened questions about what can be achieved at the South Africa talks. Tshisekedi also offered six cabinet posts to the rebels, and said he is dissolving parliament. Rebel officials spurned the offer to join his government, saying Tshisekedi serves President Mobutu Sese Seko, and their goal remains Mobutu's ouster.
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