MONUC RESPONSE TO CNDP CLAIM OF FARDC TROOP MOVEMENTS

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000003 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: MONUC RESPONSE TO CNDP CLAIM OF FARDC TROOP MOVEMENTS REF: KINSHASA 1164 ¶1. (SBU) MONUC SRSG Alan Doss refuted CNDP claims of FARDC troop movements within disengagement zones north of Goma in a December 29 letter to CNDP Chairman Laurent Nkunda. Doss also called on CNDP and FARDC to provide for the free movement of people and goods and to protect the "fundamental" rights of civilians, particularly displaced persons. CNDP submitted the claim of FARDC repositioning to MONUC in a December 24 letter to SRSG Doss (reftel). Original text of the December 29 letter from MONUC to CNDP is at paragraph ¶2. ¶2. (SBU) Begin original text of December 29 MONUC letter to CNDP: Kinshasa, 29 December 2008 Ref: SRSG/1034/2008 Dear President of the CNDP, I make reference to your letter of 24 December 2008, which notably states the redeployment of FARDC units north of Goma, after the cease fire came into effect on 29 October 2008. I wish to make it known to you that MONUC have not observed any movement of this kind on the part of the FARDC in the zone in question, after an investigation undertaken on the ground by our personnel. I'm seizing this occasion to express to you my concern at the closeness of FARDC and CNDP positions in Kibati, and to reiterate my appeal to all parties present not to take any initiative likely to provoke new hostilities. In this regard, I want to reaffirm the entire availability of the mission to work with all parties to reduce the tensions on the ground. At the same time, I also bring to the attention of all the parties of the necessity to guarantee the free movement of people and goods, and to refrain from any action that would infringe on the fundamental rights of civilian populations, in particular the displaced. Yours Sincerely, For Alan Doss Special Representative of the Secretary General End original text of December 29 MONUC letter to CNDP. GARVELINK