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