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