58 The application of the concluded Accords experienced considerable delays. The work of the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism of the Accords signed between the two parties (MCVS) stopped in July 2007 and the elements of the FNL who had participated in this exercise withdrew. A disquieting security situation prevailed sequel to this blockage. At the end of the year 2007, an extra 12 months was given to the Mediator in the Burundian conflict by the Regional Initiative to enable him relaunch and terminate the inter-Burundian negotiations. A Directorate comprising the United Nations, the African Union and Burundian Civil Society was set up to assist the mediation team to establish a working methodology to accelerate the negotiation process. On its side the United Nations Security Council renewed the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Bureau in Burundi (BINUB) for a year. Likewise, the African Union was given the responsibility of implementing the Cease fire Accord. The resumption of talks between the parties and the return of the FNL to MCVS in May 2008 made it possible to set in motion a new peace initiative, the re-establishment of trust and the return of security across the entire national territory. 23.2. Demobilization, Disarmament and Reintegration The policy of demobilization and retraining of soldiers and combatants started in 2003 was pursued through the activities of the National Demobilization, Re-insertion and Re-integration Programme (PNDRR) with the support of MDRP/World Bank. The latter had the objective of participating in the restoration of peace and its consolidation in Burundi and in the sub-region. It also sought to facilitate the implementation of the contents of the Arusha Accord and of the various other ceasefire Accords signed later. Demobilized persons grouped by Povince and by Gender from the 30/10/2003 to 31/05/2010 Province Bubanza Bujumbura Mairie Bujumbura Rural Bururi Cankuzo Cibitoke Gitega Karuzi Kayanza Kirundo Number of demobilized 3,340 4,039 1,508 3,446 567 1,981 1,591 879 1,683 1,372 Women 186 190 93 40 7 60 17 4 61 12 Men 3,154 3,849 1,415 3,406 560 1,921 1,574 875 1,622 1,360