PRESIDENT KABILA'S NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000018

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPKO CG
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT KABILA'S NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE


1. (U) In a televised New Year's message December 31,
President Joseph Kabila thanked the Congolese for their
patience and sacrifices as the country nears the end of the
transition period. Affirming his determination to lead the
nation to free and fair elections, he congratulated them on
the high turnout both for voter registration and for the
referendum vote. He struck a conciliatory tone with those
who voted against the constitution, saying that one group had
not won victory over another, but that the Congolese people
had expressed their desire for democratic institutions.


2. (U) Kabila singled out the National Assembly and Senate
for their legislative work, the police forces for assisting
with the elections process, and the international community
for having a positive influence on the transition process.
Kabila also urged politicians and citizens alike to maintain
respect for the law in the coming year.


3. (U) Comment: Resisting any temptation of triumphalism,
Kabila's message was moderate and conciliatory in tone. It
struck a welcome note of inclusivity. While his speech
delivered no surprises, it reinforced the central message of
the need to move toward elections and to bring the transition
to a successful close by June 2006. End comment.
MEECE


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