GUIDANCE FOR UNSC CONSULTATIONS ON BURUNDI AUGUST

UNCLAS STATE 090896 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC XA BY SUBJECT: GUIDANCE FOR UNSC CONSULTATIONS ON BURUNDI AUGUST 26 ¶1. (U) This is an action request. USUN should draw from the points in para 2 during the UN Security Council consultations on Burundi August 26. ¶2. Begin points: I would like to thank (the UN Department of Political Affairs) for briefing the Council on the situation in Burundi. The US appreciates the efforts by the UN Integrated Office of Burundi, Executive Representative for Burundi Youssef Mahmoud, and the Peacebuilding Commission to enhance stability and security in Burundi. The US continues to be concerned by the stalemate in the South African mediated peace process in Burundi. With that in mind, I would like to make four points. First, we are hopeful that negotiations this month between Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza and rebel group PALIPEHUTU-FNL Chairman Agathon Rwasa will remove stumbling blocks to the stalled peace process. We encourage all parties to pursue a constructive internal political dialogue oriented towards compromise. With South Africa,s mandate to conclude the peace process expiring on December 31, 2008, we share South Africans optimism that the peace process will be concluded by that point. We continue to urge Burundians to take responsibility to resolve their differences in the best interest of the country. We continue to believe that genuine dialogue between the FNL and the Government of Burundi is necessary to bring an end to this conflict for the benefit of the people of Burundi and the region. Reaching and implementing a final and durable peace agreement is a critical component of regional stability. The U.S. urges all political parties to enter into productive dialogue to produce concrete solutions that will allow Burundi,s government to function effectively and actively serve and improve the lives of Burundi,s people. Secondly, the U.S. is pleased to recall Burundi,s generally free and fair 2005 elections. As Burundi prepares for national elections in 2010, we encourage the government and civil society to create the mechanisms necessary to: -- establish a transparent, impartial and inclusive Electoral Commission; -- educate Burundi,s people concerning their rights and obligations in a democratic society; -- promote active debate and dialogue among political parties, constituents and civil society; and -- support an independent and unbiased media. In hopes that the peace process moves forward and elections can be organized for 2010, we urge the UN Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB) to assist in the organization of elections and to provide international security units, who, along side local security forces, will guarantee a safe, free, and fair election day. Thirdly, the U.S. commends the efforts of the Government of Burundi, UNHCR and partner agencies to repatriate and reintegrate Burundi refugees. The U.S. will continue to support UNHCR,s Burundi repatriation program as well as the activities of non-governmental organizations providing reintegration assistance to Burundi returnees. We welcome news of other donor support as well. We acknowledge the immense challenges of the return and encourage the GOB to do all it can to help its people return home in safety and dignity. Fourth, we encourage the technical committee for the National Consultations on Transitional Justice to keep the public informed about its work and to ensure that its membership reflects the diversity of Burundi's political parties and civil society. Finally, the U.S. supports the priorities of the Peacebuilding Commission,s work, including: good governance, security sector reform, human rights, justice and transitional justice and peaceful resolution of land disputes and community recovery. RICE