BURUNDI: GUIDANCE FOR DECEMBER 10 UNSC

UNCLAS STATE 125021 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC XA BY SUBJECT: BURUNDI: GUIDANCE FOR DECEMBER 10 UNSC CONSULTATIONS ON THE UN INTEGRATED OFFICE IN BURUNDI (BINUB) ¶1. (U) This is an action request. USUN may draw from the talking points in para 3 during the December 10 UN Security Council consultations on the UN Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB). ¶2. (U) Objectives: Express our support for the ongoing disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration efforts, emphasize the importance of holding free and fair elections in 2010, and address potential election spoilers, including political intimidation. ¶3. (U) Begin Talking Points -- The United States thanks Executive Representative for Burundi and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB),Youssef Mahmoud, for your comprehensive briefing. We appreciate the efforts of your staff, the UN Country Team, and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to enhance stability and security and to prepare for the 2010 presidential, legislative, and local elections. DDR -- The United States welcomes the ongoing reintegration process and commends BINUB and the Peacebuilding Commission,s commitment to the long-term reintegration of ex-combatants, demobilized soldiers, and others affected by the war. We are particularly encouraged by the progress made in integrating Forces Nationales de Libration (FNL) leaders into the government, but note that more work must be done to fill remaining government positions allocated to the FNL. In this regard, we look to BINUB and the PBC to closely coordinate their support for reintegration with the Partnership for Peace. --We are also encouraged by BINUB,s and the UN Development Program,s continued assistance to Burundi in finalizing its national reintegration strategy to help provide sustainable economic incentives for ex-combatants. Burundi has made significant progress over the past six months in consolidating peace and stability. SUPPORT ELECTIONS -- These recent positive trends augur well for the upcoming elections, which we expect to be the capstone of the peace process in Burundi. To ensure successful elections, BINUB and the Peacebuilding Commission should continue to coordinate international technical and financial support for the electoral process. The U.S. government, in coordination with international partners, BINUB, and the Peacebuilding Commission, has provided $3.3 million towards voter education, support for the independent electoral commission, and media programs promoting peaceful elections. ADDRESSING POTENTIAL SPOILERS --We encourage BINUB and the PBC to closely monitor the funding and progress of election preparations, and the degree to which opposition parties enjoy the right of lawful assembly and sufficient political space to campaign. Failure to address problems now could threaten the electoral process and heighten the risk of post-electoral violence. --Additionally, we are concerned by reports of political intimidation by individuals in the ruling Conseil National Pour la Dfense de la Democratie-Forces de Dfense de la Democratie (CNDD-FDD) party. Free and fair elections require the elimination of all attempts to intimidate or exclude legitimate parties from fully participating in the political process. -- Finally, I would like to reiterate our support for the Peacebuilding Commission and the integrated approach of the UN system. The success of the Commission and the integrated UN-system approach serves as a model for future UN missions dealing with post-conflict situations. With BINUB,s achievements and the remaining challenges in Burundi in mind, the United States supports the Secretary-General,s call to renew BINUB,s mandate for one additional year. POTENTIAL QUESTIONS We believe it is prudent, however, to plan for the future. We would like to request a report on the exit strategy for BINUB, and your thoughts on what should be the post-election UN presence in Burundi. We would also be interested in your thoughts on how long the PBC should continue its engagement with Burundi. With completion of the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF)-funded small arms destruction project, what are BINUB,s plans for assisting the government with continuing to sweep up arms and munitions from civilian hands before the elections? CLINTON