BURUNDI - TALKING POINTS FOR 11/28 BRIEFING

UNCLAS STATE 160787 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNSC PREL SUBJECT: BURUNDI - TALKING POINTS FOR 11/28 BRIEFING ¶1. This is an action cable. See paragraphs 2 and 3. ¶2. USUN is instructed to draw from the following points during the November 28 briefing of the Security Council by the Facilitator of the Burundi Peace Process and South African Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula: -- Thank you Minister Nqakula for traveling to New York today to brief the Council on the latest developments in the Burundi Peace Process. -- The United States calls on the PALIPEHUTU (PAH-LEE-PAY-HOO-TOO) FNL to return to the negotiating table, abstain from any further violence, and implement its agreement with the Government of Burundi by December 31st. -- The United States is encouraged by President Nkurunziza's recent efforts to reach out to the political opposition in Burundi, which culminated in the allotment of several ministerial positions to opposition parties in November. -- The United States congratulates UPRONA Member of Parliament Yves Sahinguvu on his appointment as the new First Vice-President. We hope Mr. Sahinguvu will work together with President Nkurunziza to establish greater political cohesion and to focus on the problems facing the country. -- The United States commends the work of the African Union and BINUB in facilitating the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between the government of Burundi and the FNL and in providing support for the alleged FNL dissidents located in two camps north of Bujumbura. -- The United States also welcomes the UN Peacebuilding Commission's efforts and expertise in creating an integrated strategy for peacebuilding in Burundi. We strongly support the UN Peacebuilding Commission's work in implementing this strategy to produce tangible, sustainable results for the long term and to prevent reversion to conflict. ¶3. USUN is instructed to seek consensus on the amended Press Statement on Burundi by the Security Council President that follows. Begin text: Members of the Security Council were briefed by the Facilitator of the Burundi Peace Process, Mr. Nqakula, Minister of Safety and Security in South Africa; Members of the Security Council: -- welcome the briefing by the Facilitator, Mr. Nqakula and commend the role played by the Facilitator, the Regional Initiative and the African Union in support of the peace process; -- welcome the Government's efforts to promote dialogue, national reconciliation and social harmony in Burundi, and call on all political stakeholders there to maintain the spirit of consensus-building and inclusiveness that had enabled them to achieve a successful transition in their country; -- express support for the work of the Facilitator and urge the political actors in Burundi and armed groups still outside of the political process to join in the political process; -- (bis) express support for the UN Peacebuilding Commission's efforts in creating an integrated strategy for peacebuilding that produces tangible, sustainable, results for the long term and prevents reversion to conflict; -- (bis) express support for the alleviation of the humanitarian issues surrounding the alleged FNL dissidents who are at risk of retribution from FNL leaders. end text. RICE