Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE57600
2009-06-04 16:14:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

BURUNDI: TALKING POINTS FOR JUNE 9 UNSC DEBATE

Tags:  PREL UNSC XA BY 
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VZCZCXYZ0021
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #7600 1551636
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 041614Z JUN 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0000
INFO RUEHJB/AMEMBASSY BUJUMBURA PRIORITY 0000
UNCLAS STATE 057600 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UNSC XA BY
SUBJECT: BURUNDI: TALKING POINTS FOR JUNE 9 UNSC DEBATE

UNCLAS STATE 057600

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UNSC XA BY
SUBJECT: BURUNDI: TALKING POINTS FOR JUNE 9 UNSC DEBATE


1. (U) This is an action request. USUN should draw from the
points in para 2 during the UN Security Council consultations
on Burundi June 9. End Action Request.


2. Begin Points:

-- The United States thanks (the UN Department of Political
Affairs) for briefing the Council on the situation in
Burundi. The United States appreciates the efforts by the UN
Integrated Office of Burundi, Executive Representative for
Burundi Youssef Mahmoud, and the Peacebuilding Commission to
enhance stability and security in Burundi.

-- The United States is encouraged by the significant
developments in the peace process in Burundi. These
developments help pave the way for durable peace and
stability for all Burundians, and for the holding of free,
fair, transparent and peaceful elections in 2010. We note
though that fundamental challenges persist in security sector
reform, human rights and judicial reform, economic
constraints, lack of basic social services and resettlement
of refugees. All stakeholders in Burundi will need to stay
engaged and focused on sustaining the peace process,
completing preparations for the 2010 elections as scheduled,
and most importantly, taking steps to reduce the potential
for violence before, during, and after the elections.

-- While we commend the recent commitment by the government
and the Forces Nationales de Liberation (FNL) to an inclusive
political process, we urge them to quickly address the
remaining challenges in implementing the Comprehensive
Ceasefire Agreement, in particular to complete the
demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration(DDR) process
for FNL combatants and support for those associated with the
FNL but not deemed eligible for demobilization payments.
These challenges must be addressed in order to allow
Burundi,s government to focus its attention on solidifying
democracy and good governance, promoting economic development
and actively serving and improving the lives of Burundi,s
people.

-- We urge the Government of Burundi to continue its efforts
to consolidate peace and stability, focusing in particular on
the justice and security sectors, civilian disarmament,
broad-based economic development and democratic governance.
Focusing on these areas will help create a more conducive
atmosphere for holding democratic elections, and help lay the
foundation for long-term stability and development.

-- We are particularly encouraged by the release of children

from the ranks of the FNL and by the special support packages
accorded to women during demobilization.

-- Sexual violence against women and girls remains of deep
concern and the United States strongly urges both UNICEF and
United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB) to
continue monitoring such cases. We are interested in hearing
the status of the implementation of the national action plan
focused on addressing women's protection and rights. We also
urge the Government of Burundi to arrest and vigorously
prosecute those responsible for these acts in order to secure
justice and to actively fight the notion that those
responsible for such crimes act with impunity.

-- Violence against persons with albinism is also of deep
concern and the United States strongly urges BINUB to
continue monitoring these cases and urges the government to
vigorously investigate these cases and prosecute
perpetrators.

-- We urge the government to amend the final version of the
penal code by removing the provision criminalizing
homosexuality, which is in contravention to Burundi,s
obligations under the International Covenant on Human and
People,s Rights.

-- The United States supports and appreciates the efforts of
the African Union, the Regional Initiative for Peace, the
South African Facilitation, the Political Directorate and
other partners of Burundi for their continued engagement in
supporting Burundi's peace consolidation efforts.

-- We urge all partners to Burundi to continue their
engagement through the conclusion of the 2010 electoral cycle
and thereafter in order to secure lasting stability and
peace. The elections are critical for consolidating peace
and stability in Burundi, but given the extent of Burundi,s
challenges, should not mark the exit date for Burundi,s
partners.

-- With that in mind, we support the SYG's call for BINUB's
mandate to remain unchanged from UNSC Resolution 1858 (2008)
at this time. We agree with the Technical Assessment
Mission's recommendations for a shift in BINUB,s
prioritizing political dialogue and enhancing confidence in
the electoral process, conflict prevention, human rights and
transitional justice, civilian disarmament and security
sector reform.

-- The United States commends the efforts of the Government
of Burundi, UNHCR and partner agencies to repatriate and
reintegrate Burundian refugees. We are particularly impressed
with progress in recent months that brings total
returns to over 95,000 in 2008 and over 460,000 since
repatriation began in 2002. We encourage the Government of
Burundi and UNHCR to monitor the return and reintegration of
refugees to ensure that their return is voluntary and done in
&safety and dignity8 as required under international law
and that their reintegration proceeds smoothly and with full
respect for their human rights.

-- The United States encourages the Government of Burundi to
continue to support the National Land Tenure Commission -
Commission Nationale de Terres et Biens (CNTB) ) in its
efforts to resolve land tenure disputes that are so crucial
to the successful reintegration of Burundian refugees.

-- The United States commends the progress made in Burundi in
consolidating peace, and thanks the UN System in Burundi for
its efforts on this front. The integrated UN approach in
Burundi is a helpful example for other UN missions.

-- The people of Burundi, with help from the UN, have made
tremendous progress in consolidating peace after years of
conflict. This progress highlights the benefits of an
integrated approach by the UN system and serves as an example
for other UN missions in post-conflict situations.
CLINTON