SEPT 23 CIAT MEETING-MEDIA, NEW YORK DEVELOPMENTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001795

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/24/2014
TAGS: KPAO PGOV PREL CG
SUBJECT: SEPT 23 CIAT MEETING-MEDIA, NEW YORK DEVELOPMENTS


Classified By: Ambassador Roger Meece. Reason 1.4 (b/d)


1. (U) Summary: The International Committee to Support the
Transition (CIAT) met September 23. The CIAT invited the
High Media Authority (HAM) officers to exchange views of how
to best protect the freedom of the press while promoting a
reconciliation agenda, ensure professional standards, and
prepare for elections. SRSG Swing also briefed CIAT members
on a successful New York agreement to implement the
DRC/Rwanda Joint Verification Mechanism (JVM),and reported
that the first JVM meeting would be held October 4. In
addition, he reported a Ministerial meeting of CIAT members
in New York. The Ambassador received copies of the Secretary
General,s communique regarding the JVM, and the Ministerial
CIAT statement. End summary .


2. (U) Chiefs of Mission of the International Committee to
Support the Transition (CIAT) held a meeting September 23 at
MONUC headquarters in Kinshasa, chaired by SRSG William
Swing. In follow-up to previous CIAT discussion of the role
of the media in the DRC, and particularly the issue of the
use of the media to exacerbate ethnic or regional tensions as
well as general professional conduct, officers of the High
Media Authority (HMA) were invited for the first hour of the
CIAT meeting. The HMA was created as one of the "civil
society" structures of the transition to protect the freedom
of the press and generally promote professionalism in press
operations, and protect and promote human rights (as a
component of free speech). In opening comments, HMA chair
Modeste Mutinga laid out the HMA agenda, spelling out HMA
plans for working commissions to address key areas,
investigate complaints lodged by individuals, government
representatives, or members of the media, and HMA authorities
to levy fines or impose punitive actions in response to
violations of media norms. Mutinga also highlighted the
issue of ensuring access by all parties and other groups to
government-controlled media. Mutinga reported that the first
plenary session of media representatives is planned for
September 29, but also emphasized that a lack of financial
resources is hindering full implementation of HMA plans.


3. (C) In the following discussion and in response to
questions posed by CIAT members, Mutinga noted that the HMA
takes very seriously its duty to promote liberty of the
press, but also to respect professional standards.
Specifically, Mutinga noted that the HMA is currently
examining several complaints it has received, including some
allegations of broadcasts that served to inflame ethnic
tensions. He said the HMA has requisitioned tapes from the
relevant media outlets, and in response to the Ambassador,s
question confirmed that the tapes have been received and are
being examined. He said this work should be completed before
next week,s plenary conference.


4. (U) Following the meeting with HMA officers, SRSG William
Swing reported to the CIAT that the Secretary General had
successfully obtained agreement in New York from both the
Rwandan and DRC governments to implement the long-pending
Joint Verification Mechanism (JVM). Amb. Swing reported that
he has received authority to convene the first meeting of the
JVM in the region October 4.


5. (U) Amb. Swing also reported that a Ministerial meeting of
CIAT members had convened in New York September 22. Amb.
Swing conveyed to the Ambassador copies of the statement
issued at the conclusion if this meeting, as well as a
communique issued by the Secretary General,s office
regarding the JVM agreement.


6. (C) Comment: As a repeated former victim of attempts to
intimidate or otherwise suppress independent press, Mutinga
seems well-qualified for his role as HMA chair. While
clearly hindered by a lack of resources, the HMA officers
appear serious about carrying out their mandate as
effectively as possible. The meeting with the CIAT was
useful to underscore international interest in media issues,
and bolster a positive HMA agenda, including the issue of
so-called &hate media8 or inflammatory language or
presentations that feed ethnic conflict. Mutinga later told
the Ambassador he was pleased with the meeting. The CIAT
will likely continue to invite relevant interlocutors to
discuss key issues, with the Independent Electoral Commission
targeted for next week, pending their availability. The New
York agreements also appear to be good news, satisfying
long-held GDRC frustrations to get the JVM going, and paving
the way for increased regional cooperation in other areas.
End comment.
MEECE