GREAT LAKES: TALKING POINTS FOR NOVEMBER 9 UNSC

UNCLAS STATE 114035 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL UNSC AF SUBJECT: GREAT LAKES: TALKING POINTS FOR NOVEMBER 9 UNSC CONSULTATIONS ¶1. (U) This is an action request. USUN should draw from the points in paragraph 2 below for the Great Lakes UN Security Council (UNSC) consultations on November 9. ¶2. Begin talking points: -- We appreciate the efforts over the past year of the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and co-facilitator from the African Union and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR),former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa. They played an important role in addressing the imminent threat posed by the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP) to the stability of eastern DRC, and in assisting the DRC and Rwanda in deepening rapprochement. This rapprochement led to significant positive steps between the two countries, from the exchange of ambassadors to the joint operations against the CNDP, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and other illegal armed groups. -- The efforts of Presidents Obasanjo and Mkapa have advanced the peace process in the Great Lakes region. The accords of 23 March among the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the CNDP and other rebel groups were but one manifestation of their hard work. Another is renewed confidence between the Governments of the DRC and Rwanda and their joint efforts to find solutions to their common concerns. -- Although problems persist, the relations between the neighbors suggest that a UN mediator of such a high level is no longer as critical as it was a year ago. The United States, therefore, agrees with the decisions of Special Envoys Obasanjo and Mkapa to close out their roles. Nonetheless, we look forward to continuing our efforts with our partners in the region. U.S. Special Advisor for the Great Lakes Howard Wolpe is currently traveling to the region and looks forward to working in collaboration with the Great Lakes envoys from the European Union and other bilateral partners to advance the work Obasanjo and Mkapa have started. - - Despite political progress, we remain deeply concerned by the security situation in the Great Lakes region, which remains tenuous, and the humanitarian situation, which has deteriorated significantly. The population displacements and the escalation of HUMAN RIGHTS abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence, must be addressed. If raised: - - Additionally, we remain seriously concerned with the Lord's Resistance Army's LRA's continued presence in northeastern DRC and expansion into the Central African Republic and Southern Sudan and the resulting attacks on the civilian population. Questions: - - What are the prospects for a lasting peace? - - What is the best role in the region for a UN mediator? - - In your opinion, how should this COUNCIL best approach President Kabila to ensure impunity is addressed within his armed forces? - - What role can African leaders play? - - How can this COUNCIL best support effective mediation in the future and promote the peace process in the region? What role can neighbors play in the peace process? If raised: -- Please tell us more about the UN's approach to addressing the threat to the region posed by the LRA. CLINTON