KABILA EXHORTS CONGOLESE TO "CHANGE THEIR

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000003 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM CG ELECTIONS SUBJECT: KABILA EXHORTS CONGOLESE TO "CHANGE THEIR THINKING" IN NEW YEAR'S SPEECH ¶1. (U) Summary: President Kabila made his traditional New Year's speech from Lubumbashi on December 31, which was broadcast nationally on television and radio. Kabila challenged the Congolese people to "change their thinking," noting that there is no success without effort, and that the people of the Congo need to rely on themselves to move their country forward. End summary. ¶2. (U) In his New Year's message, Kabila once again praised the wisdom and maturity of the Congolese people who put the higher interests of the DRC ahead of partisan considerations. He noted the success of the country in overcoming the challenges of making peace, of renifying a torn country, and of organizing free, ransparent and democratic elections. ¶3. (U) Whie addressing the next political steps for the deocratic institutions of government, Kabila also caled on his people to devote their energies to th reconstruction of their country. He stated tha 2007 would be a year of "collective exorcism," ayear which will require a profound change in thiking, a moral and ethical revolution. He calledfor a society where unity of effort would overcomethe demons of division, so that all can benefit ro the republican values of liberty, dignity, soial justice and well-being. ¶4. (U) Kabila tod his audience that the DRC's future is "radiant" and that success depends on everyone, that thecollective good fortune of all Congolese depends uon the behavior of each. He noted that progress emanded discipline, order, self-denial and perseerance. He stated that the Congolese people mus first rely on themselves and not on outside suport. He called for each person to give the bestof himself for the collective good instead of hopin for unexpected gifts to fall from the sky. DOGHERTY