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