BURKINABE PRESIDENT COMPAORE ON CURRENT UNSC ISSUES

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000536 SIPDIS IO AND AF FOR FRONT OFFICE E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/10/2018 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL ZI SU KDEM UNSC IV SUBJECT: BURKINABE PRESIDENT COMPAORE ON CURRENT UNSC ISSUES Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for Reasons 1.4 B/D. ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: AMB Khalilzed met Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore June 10 to discuss current issues facing the UN Security Council. Khalilzad asked Burkina Faso to support the U.S. initiative on sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. Khalilzad told Compaore that Burkina Faso could be helpful on Zimbabwe by supporting a Security Council meeting on the Mugabe government's efforts to prevent a free and fair runoff election. Compaore asked for financial support to move forward with implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. Khalilzad commended Burkina Faso's contribution to the UN African Union Mission in Darfur. Compaore called for an international conference to address the Touareg conflict. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) Burkinabe Participants: President Blaise Compaore, Alain Yoda, Minister of Health; Ernest Yohli, Ambassador to the U.S., Paul Tiendrebeogo, D/PermRep to the UN. U.S. Participants: AMB Zalmay Khalilzad, USUN poloff (notetaker). (NOTE: Burkinabe PermRep Michel Kafando had not yet returned from the UNSC mission to Africa when this meeting took place. END NOTE.) -------------- Sexual Violence Thematic Debate -------------- ¶3. (C) AMB Khalilzed told Burkinabe President Compaore that the U.S. is using its Security Council presidency to highlight the issue of gender-based violence. The U.S. has put forward a resolution in connection with the thematic debate for June 19 to send a clear message that the international community rejects the use of rape as an instrument of war. Compaore replied that Burkina Faso supported the initiative and would be help the U.S. to formulate a strong message from the Security Council. -------------- Zimbabwe -------------- ¶4. (C) On Zimbabwe, AMB Khalilzad asked President Compaore to support a Security Council meeting on the situation in the lead up to the June 27 elections. Khalilzad said that the U.S. is concerned that Zimbabwean President Mugabe's security forces are terrorizing and intimidating the electorate with the aim of preventing a free and fair runoff election. The U.S. believes it is time for the issue to be discussed in the UN Security Council and wanted Burkina Faso's support. Compaore gave a positive, non-committal response and promised to follow up with the Burkina Faso's Permanent Mission in New York. -------------- Darfur/UNAMID -------------- ¶5. (C) AMB Khalilzad thanked Burkina Faso for contributing to UNAMID and encouraged Compaore to ensure that the forces deploy as scheduled in November 2008. He said the political situation in Darfur will "take sometime to resolve" so the priority right now is to deploy capable forces that can prevent a further escalation of the conflict and alleviate suffering in Darfur. Compaore said that Burkina Faso supported the U.S. position on Darfur and appreciated U.S. bilateral military assistance, which will allow Burkina Faso to contribute to UNAMID. -------------- Cote d'Ivoire -------------- ¶6. (C) Compaore raised Burkina Faso's mediation efforts in Cote d'Ivore and asked for assistance to ensure that the elections take place as scheduled in November 2008. Compaore said implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement would require financial assistance and neutral, impartial forces to assist with the election process. AMB Khalilzad responded that the U.S. is committed to seeing that elections take place and examining possible contribution options. -------------- Mali/Niger -------------- ¶7. (C) In regard to the Touareg conflict, Compaore said that an international conference should be held to address the regional dimension of the conflict. Compaore said that Burkina Faso is working with other regional actors to convene the meeting in Bamako. AMB Khalilzad said that the U.S. appreciated Compaore's efforts to look for a solution to the conflict between Mali and Niger and understood that the Touareg refugee situation affected Burkina Faso. Khalilzad