INCLINED TOWARDS KOSOVO IMF/WORLD BANK MEMBERSHIP,

UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000196 SENSITIVE SIPDIS LONDON, PARIS, PLEASE PASS TO AFRICA WATCHERS. ADDIS, PLEASE PASS TO AU. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EFIN PREL PHUM KV BY SUBJECT: INCLINED TOWARDS KOSOVO IMF/WORLD BANK MEMBERSHIP, BUT WHAT DOES AU THINK? REF: A. STATE 33629 ¶B. STATE 31175 ¶C. BUJUMBURA 191 ¶1. (SBU) In a meeting with the DCM April 17, Ministry of External Relations Chef de Cabinet Gaudence Sindayigaya said Burundi is favorably disposed towards IMF and World Bank membership, particularly since the IMF Executive Board has approved Kosovo's membership application, and because Burundi prefers to support measures designed to increase stability in countries recovering from serious conflict. However, he continued, Burundi coordinates most Kosovo-related matters with other African nations, and must consult with some of its partners. Nevertheless, Sindayigaya indicated that he would recommend a favorable vote when he speaks his Minister when the Minister returns to the country April 18. Sindayigaya asked several questions about the mechanics of the quorum-based vote, but did not promise to send in a ballot regardless of Burundi's position. ¶2. (SBU) The DCM also delivered a diplomatic note asking for Burundi's support of the U.S. candidature for the UN's Human Rights Council. Echoing his colleague's response in an earlier demarche (ref. c) Sindayigaya indicated that his Ministry was inclined to support the U.S. bid. MOLLER