UDPS RECEIVES AUTHORIZATION FOR MARCH 22

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000474 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KPKO KDEM CG SUBJECT: UDPS RECEIVES AUTHORIZATION FOR MARCH 22 DEMONSTRATION IN KINSHASA REF: KINSHASA 409 ¶1. (U) The opposition party Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) received authorization March 20 from the Governor of Kinshasa to hold a peaceful march in Kinshasa March 22. The UDPS plans to march in the city's central district and deliver a letter at MONUC headquarters for SYG Kofi Annan, who arrived in Kinshasa March 21. In its letter, the UDPS is expected to demand the reopening of voter registration. ¶2. (U) The UDPS held a demonstration in Kinshasa March 10 to deliver a similar letter during the visit of UN Undersecretary General Jean-Marie Guehenno (reftel),for which the party had not received official authorization. Police broke up the demonstration, which numbered fewer than 200 people. There were several arrest of UDPS leaders and members (who were quickly released from detention),and some isolated incidents of minor violence. MEECE