Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STATE90896
2008-08-22 23:07:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

GUIDANCE FOR UNSC CONSULTATIONS ON BURUNDI AUGUST

Tags:  PREL UNSC XA BY 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0003
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #0896 2352312
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 222307Z AUG 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 2853
INFO RUEHJB/AMEMBASSY BUJUMBURA PRIORITY 1525
RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA PRIORITY 0453
UNCLAS STATE 090896 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UNSC XA BY
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE FOR UNSC CONSULTATIONS ON BURUNDI AUGUST
26

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