SANT'EGIDIO EXPRESSES CONCERN ON GREAT LAKES

C O N F I D E N T I A L VATICAN 000559 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/WE LARREA E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/13/2030 TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV VT RW CF SUBJECT: SANT'EGIDIO EXPRESSES CONCERN ON GREAT LAKES REF: Refs: a) Caracas 3022; b) Caracas 3262; c) Caracas 3223; d) Vatican 489; e) Vatican 508 CLASSIFIED BY: Peter Martin, Pol/Econ Chief, Vatican, State. REASON: 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (C) Don Matteo Zuppi, Great Lakes expert of the Vatican-linked Community of Sant'Egidio, expressed concern December 14 that the presence of Rwandan refugees in the Congo was a lingering problem that could infect the whole region. "The numbers of refugees are not great," he said, "but the situation has the potential to inflame matters." Don Matteo has remained in contact with the various parties involved in the issue since Sant'Egidio hosted a negotiating session for them in Rome last spring. He reported that a minister from Kinshasa was currently en route to meet FDLR (Forces Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda) leaders to discuss their conditions for returning to Rwanda, and the possibility of another Sant'Egidio meeting to reinvigorate the return process. Don Matteo noted that he was sensitive to Kigali's concerns in the matter. ¶2. (C) According to Don Matteo, a military solution to the problem would not be ideal. "Some pressure might be a good idea," he said, but only to the point of pressing the groups to action. Then, he contended, a negotiated solution would be the best way to create the opportunity for a lasting peace. Don Matteo thought he would have more information on this most recent initiative next week. ROONEY