CIAT ISSUES STRONG STATEMENT AGAINST WEAPONS,

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001427 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINS MARR PREL CG ELECTIONS SUBJECT: CIAT ISSUES STRONG STATEMENT AGAINST WEAPONS, ESPECIALLY IN KINSHASA ¶1. (U) With the approach of presidential (second round) and provincial elections, the International Committee to Accompany the Transition (CIAT) issued a strong statement of concern September 11 about the presence of weapons and armed men in Kinshasa. According to the statement, the CIAT and the international community would unhesitatingly condemn anyone resorting to arms in the capital, and especially any use of heavy weapons. ¶2. (U) The statement reiterates the authority of the Congolese National Police to ensure the security of the electoral process. It also calls for the withdrawal of Congolese National Army forces (FARDC) to their bases, except those mounting joint operations with MONUC in Eastern Congo. The statement also calls for the respect of UN Security Council resolutions on arms imports. ¶3. (U) Specific to Kinshasa, the CIAT statement calls for: Withdrawal to bases of all elements, weapons and units of the FARDC, without exception; Prohibition of any movement of armed men within the province of Kinshasa, except those on official mission, the police or multinational forces; Reduction and confinement to base of Kabila,s and Bemba,s forces and their replacement by MONUC and EUFOR for protecting the respective presidential candidates; and Establishment of a mechanism to verify and monitor this process, with sanctions for any violations. ¶4. (U) Comment: The statement formalizes points we have made on a regular basis with all interlocuters since the events of August 20-22. It also responds to calls by a number of Congolese politicians for a clear statement from the international community on these events and the electoral process. High-level meetings with Kabila and Bemba over the last two days by President Mbeki of South Africa, EU foreign policy Chief Solana, UK development minister Benn and the Belgian defense minister have presented opportunities to push the same message. End comment. ¶5. (U) The full text of the statement has been transmitted to AF/C. MEECE