Minutes of the August 29 meeting of

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 000740 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG UN, EUN SUBJECT: Minutes of the August 29 meeting of Joint Monitoring Group Task Force REF: KINSHASA 720 ¶1. Following are the official minutes of above-captioned meeting. A reporting cable on the meeting is contained at reftel. ¶2. Begin minutes SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING Joint Monitoring Group 37TH Meeting of the TASK FORCE Goma, 29 August 2008 The thirty seventh meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group/Task Force (JMG/TF) was held in Goma on 29 August 2008, as scheduled. The major highlights were: (a) discussion on proposal by Government of Rwanda (GOR) for a field visit in Rwanda and (b) evaluation of the activities in the implementation of the Nairobi Communique since the last Special Envoys meeting on 4 June. In attendance were representatives of Government of the DRC, the GOR, as well as the RSA, US, AU, EU, and the UN. The Congolese delegation was led by Col. Augustine Mamba and the Rwandan delegation led by Mr. J. Damascene Rudasingwa. RSA was represented by Mr. M. C. Mbalati, USA by Mr. Haywood Rankin, the AU by Lt. Col. Capo Chi-chi Jean and UN by Archibald Moiwo. The EU representative Mr. Bernard Sexe chaired the meeting. Noted was the absence of a representative of the ICGL. Eight points were on the agenda: 1.) Introductory Remarks 2.) Proposal by GOR for next field visit 3.) Evaluation of the JMG/TF activities in the implementation of the Nairobi Communiqu since the last Special Envoys meeting on 4 June 2008. 4.) Recommendations to the Special Envoys 5.) Minutes of the last meeting 6.) AOB 7.) Agenda for the next meeting 8.) Closing Remarks Summary of discussions In his introductory remarks, the Chairperson briefed the members of the clash that took place between FARDC and CNDP on 28 August in Rutshuru territory highlighting the impact it will have on the entire peace process in eastern DRC. In addition to many casualties and injuries, the clash triggered displacement of people causing further humanitarian crisis. However, the situation was reportedly calm at the time of reporting. Proposal by GOR for next field visit As per previous discussions, the GOR reiterated the guidelines/conditions for field visits mentioning the objective, place, security measures and who will be responsible for security. After discussions, the TF agreed on a visit to a center for civilians not considered by GOR as combatants in order to know how they were treated and assisted by UNHCR for reinsertion into the society. The GOR will make the necessary arrangements for the field visit and will communicate the place and date during the next meeting. Depending on approval by UNHCR Rwanda, the visit may take place on either 12 or 19 September. Evaluation of the JMG/TF activities in the implementation of the Nairobi Communiqu In the evaluation of the JMG/TF activities since 4 June 2008, the GDRC highlighted the progress made in repatriations to Rwanda. So far, 6,143 combatants have been repatriated to Rwanda and 6,398 are believed to still be in DRC. The average repatriation figures show steady increase on a monthly basis; that is from 30 to 60 per month. GDRC has deployed 8 FARDC battalions in FDLR areas and 9 more are being trained for eventual deployment. The TF was informed that the GDRC had not only ensured the free movement of the populations in former FDLR strong holds but is progressively taking control of former FDLR positions. The FDLR have been squeezed out of many areas where they formerly carried out economic activities. GOR on their part confirmed that they have secured the DRC/Rwandan border through increased patrol in order to control illegal movements and support to armed groups in DRC. The delegation also highlighted that they had provided the list of Genocidaires KINSHASA 00000740 002 OF 002 including the names of those inside as well as outside DRC. The TF was further briefed on efforts by GOR to encourage FDLR combatants through vocational training and reintegration facilities to return home. They further explained their efforts to publicize the Nairobi communiqu as a motivation for combatants to accept repatriation. They were equally taking measures to encourage refugees to return home. Both countries confirmed their commitment to the Nairobi Communiqu, with GDRC confirming commitment to both Nairobi and Goma processes which were interlinked. In the end the TF made 3 wishes: a) go to Kasiki to witness the registration of ex-combatants, b) DDRRR sensitizers to give a briefing to the TF on their activities, c) discuss with DDRRR the possibility of TF joining them on sensitization campaigns. Recommendations to the Special Envoys No recommendations were given by the JMG-TF. Minutes of the last meeting The minutes of the 36th JMG/TF meeting was unanimously adopted. Agenda of next meeting The new points on the agenda are: -- Finalization by GOR the proposition for a field visit to UNHCR camp in Rwanda -- Briefing on JMG/Special Envoys' meeting to be held in Kinshasa on 1 September AOB The meeting was informed about an African Union delegation that will pay a working visit to Goma and Bukavu from 1 to 8 September. The delegation will participate in the 37th meeting on 5 September. End minutes GARVELINK