INSTRUCTION CABLE FOR EXPERTS MEETING ON LRA

UNCLAS STATE 068509 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNSC PREL PHUM UG XA XW SUBJECT: INSTRUCTION CABLE FOR EXPERTS MEETING ON LRA RESOLUTION ¶1. This is an action cable. USUN is instructed to seek the changes in paragraph 2 to the PRST on the Lord's Resistance Army (full text in paragraph 3). USUN is instructed to report back immediately the results of the experts meeting on the issue slated for June 25 at 2pm. USUN is also instructed to push for adoption at the earliest opportunity once consensus on the PRST has been obtained. ¶2. USUN should seek the following changes for the PRST on the LRA: In para 2 seek the following changes: -- Replace "a negotiated peace deal" with "the Final Peace Agreement (FPA)" -- Replace penultimate sentence to read, "However, the Security Council condemns LRA leader Joseph Kony's repeated delays and failure to sign, and calls for the LRA to begin immediately the process of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration and go immediately to assembly points" -- Delete "In this context, it welcomes indications that the LRA, and Joseph Kony in particular, may be willing to re-engage in the peace process, and encourages them to do so." Reasoning: The Department believes Kony has no intention to sign the peace deal or implement it. In para 4 seek the following changes: -- NOTE: Under absolutely no circumstances is USUN to agree to ICC language or ICC references in the PRST. Thus, replace "It welcomes regional co-operation efforts aimed at effecting the International Criminal Court arrest warrants against the three LRA indictees" with "It welcomes regional co-operation efforts aimed at bringing perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity to justice, protecting innocent civilians, and containing the LRA." In para 5 seek the following changes: -- Replace "negotiated" with "peaceful" -- After "settlement" insert "of the 22 year conflict" -- Delete: "to further a long-term and peaceful solution to the conflict." ¶3. Begin full text of the current PRST on the LRA: ¶1. The Security Council welcomes the efforts undertaken by Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique, as the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the LRA-affected areas, as set out in the Secretary-General's letter of 21 November 2007 to the President of the Security Council (S/2007/719). The Council welcomes his briefing of 20 June 2008, and looks forward to his continued engagement on the issue. ¶2. The Security Council welcomes the overall success of the Juba peace process, which has provided sustained peace and security for the population of northern Uganda, and resulted in a negotiated peace deal. The Council praises the Government of Uganda for its continued commitment to the Final Peace Agreement (FPA). However, the Security Council expresses its concern that the FPA has not been signed, and condemns LRA leader Joseph Kony's repeated delays and failure to sign. It calls upon the LRA to sign the FPA immediately, and to begin the process of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration. In this context it welcomes indications that the LRA, and Joseph Kony in particular, may be willing to re-engage in the peace process, and encourages them to do so. ¶3. The Security Council strongly condemns the recent LRA attacks at Nabanga, Sudan, as well as the reported abductions and other abuses of innocent civilians in the region. It demands that the LRA release immediately all women, children and other non combatants, in accordance with Security Council resolution 1612 (2005) on children and armed conflict. ¶4. The Security Council reiterates that the perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity must be brought to justice. It welcomes regional co-operation efforts aimed at effecting the International Criminal Court arrest warrants against the three LRA indictees. ¶5. The Security Council stresses its continued support for a negotiated settlement, and commends the Government of Southern Sudan and others for their efforts to further a long-term and peaceful solution to the conflict. The Security Council encourages the Government of Uganda, with the support of international partners, to implement the Agenda Items in the FPA. It welcomes the stated intention of the Government to Uganda to devote additional resources to the Peace, Recovery and Development Plan for northern Uganda in order to speed reconciliation and recovery in that region. RICE