CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS ENCOURAGED TO PURSUE TRUTH

UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000279 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM BY SUBJECT: CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS ENCOURAGED TO PURSUE TRUTH ¶1. In a June 25 farewell meeting with a consortium of civil society leaders, the Ambassador praised their crucial work despite Burundi's challenging environment and strongly encouraged them to continue their advocacy for human rights and democracy in the run up to 2010 elections. She also urged them to focus on truth and to avoid being waylaid by rumors. The Ambassador informed them that the international community and the international press will seek trustworthy interlocutors as worldwide attention turns toward Burundi's elections and that civil society organizations can and should be these trustworthy information sources. ¶2. The leaders remarked that Burundi is entering a very delicate period as peacebuilding continues and the 2010 elections approach, and urged that international community support and attention not end with the Ambassador's departure. They also repeatedly expressed their appreciation for the U.S. government and the Ambassador's support of Burundi's fragile civil society, stating that without strong civil society and healthy democracy, progress cannot occur. MOLLER