SECURITY COUNCIL LAUDS BURUNDI'S PROGRESS, CALLS

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 001155 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KPKO BY ZF SUBJECT: SECURITY COUNCIL LAUDS BURUNDI'S PROGRESS, CALLS FOR BINUB RENEWAL ¶1. (SBU) Summary. In a December 10 Security Council briefing on the United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB),Executive Representative and BINUB head Mahmoud gave a positive account of the status of both the peace process and electoral preparations, and underscored that BINUB will continue to support the Government of Burundi (GOB) in meeting the remaining challenges that afflict countries emerging from conflict. Ambassador Maurer, Chair of the Country-Specific Meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) echoed these comments, while noting that curbing political violence, encouraging political dialogue and increasing international support are all key to further progress. Burundi Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation Nsanze rejected the report's criticisms, calling BINUB biased against the ruling party and threatened to ask for a replacement of UN representatives on the ground. In closed consultations following the briefing, all Council members supported renewing BINUB's mandate for another year, although questions were raised about its reconfiguration after the 2010 elections. All members were encouraged by Burundi's progress, yet urged peaceful 2010 elections, strengthening of the judiciary, greater political dialogue, enhanced freedom of expression, as well as development of youth economic opportunities, particularly for ex-combatants. End Summary ¶2. (SBU) In a December 10 briefing to the Security Council on the Sixth Report of the Secretary- General on BINUB, Executive Representative for Burundi and Head of BINUB Youssef Mahmoud stated that "Burundi is making commendable progress despite the remaining challenges that afflict countries emerging from conflict." Mahmoud listed several recent positive developments including the decision of the South-African run Partnership for Peace in Burundi (PPB) to end its mandate in December and entrust the protection of FNL leaders to a joint Government of Burundi (GOB)-FNL unit. Another positive step is the GOB's strategy to reintegrate former members of armed groups. Mahmoud characterized the GOB's electoral preparations as positive, yet noted that monetary pledges made by international partners to support the electoral process have not been dispersed, and three million U.S. dollars is urgently needed by the end of the year. He said that BINUB is currently exploring the �0A;possibility of regional and sub-regional organizations sending long term election observers to Burundi, per the request of Prsident Nkurunziza. Regarding the intimidating activities of youth groups associated with the ruling party, Mahmoud stated that last month the GOB made two statements, urging political leaders to put an end to these practices. Mahmoud concluded by emphasizing the critical role of socio-economic development in peace consolidation and called on development partners to help Burundi meet its anti-poverty goals. ¶3. (SBU) Ambassador Peter Maurer, Chair of the Country-Specific Meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) on Burundi, echoed Mahmoud's positive analysis of the situation in Burundi, noting optimism about the "lively political debate" and willingness of all parties to "resist the temptation of petty politicking." Maurer called the 2010 elections a test of the progress achieved, stating that peace process sustainability will be reinforced if elections are free, fair and peaceful, but will be jeopardized by election failure. Mahmoud stated that a widespread fear of violence, stemming from a multitude of small arms and intimidation by youth groups, was an ongoing challenge and that election safety should be closely monitored. Encouraging meaningful dialogue between the GOB and the opposition was also pointed to as an ongoing challenge. Maurer also highlighted three areas in which the international community can help - financial support for holding elections, providing long-term election observers and investment in long-term economic development. Maurer suggested a regular exchange of views between the Security Council and the PBC in the coming months. ¶4. (SBU) Although Burundi Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation Augustin Nsanze first welcomed the Secretary-General's recognition of the progress made towards sustainable peace, he took issue with a number of topics in the report. Nsanze lamented the report's characterization of Burundi's security situation, stating that it was no worse than in other countries, and explained that violence was already being addressed via the GOB's civilian disarmament programs. On allegations of intimidation by political youth groups, Nsanze stated that youth groups should not be required to disband since this behavior is officially prohibited. Addressing freedom of speech and assembly, Nsanze stated that the "few restrictions" that may have occurred can be explained by misunderstandings or misinterpretation of law. Nsanze called for the future BINUB's mandate to be limited to electoral assistance, democracy-building, peacebuilding and building gender awareness in public programs. Nsanze insisted that BINUB has not respected the "principal of equity" on the ground and has "wanted to incriminate the ruling party." He ended by threatening to ask for the replacement of UN representatives in Burundi if reporting remains unbalanced and incomplete. ¶5. (SBU) During private consultations following the public session of the Council, BINUB Head Mahmoud addressed Nsanze's criticisms, stating that he has, "always endeavored to show extra attention to the party in power and even make exceptions that I would normally not make." Mahmoud stated he is willing to continue the dialogue with the GOB and listen to any specific allegations of inequities. Mahmoud explained that the benchmarks outlined in the August, 2006 Secretary-General report guided BINUB's progress evaluation, and offered ideas for BINUB's reconfiguration after the 2010 elections. Mahmoud sees BINUB evolving into a small political mission with a resident coordinator at the appropriate level. This mission would focus on general issues and projects, such as ethics training for the national army. Mahmoud ended by stating that potential investors should help the GOB fight the poverty epidemic now, rather than waiting for Burundi's justice system to be perfect. ¶6. (SBU) Minister Polcouns expressed U.S. support for BINUB and the PBC's ongoing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts, emphasized the importance of free and fair 2010 elections and urged the monitoring of the right of lawful assembly for opposition parties. He stressed U.S. support for the PBC and integrated approach of the UN system, as well as support for the BINUB mandate renewal. (NOTE: BINUB's mandate is expected to be renewed by December 17. END NOTE.) ¶7. (SBU) All delegations praised BINUB's efforts and called for its mandate to be renewed for another year, although several delegations, including Uganda and Russia, asked how the mandate could be altered to take into account the improved situation on the ground. The United Kingdom called for the UN to use BINUB as a model for UN missions in other countries, such as Guinea-Bissau. Delegations unanimously welcomed the strides made in the peace process, welcomed the work of the PBC and the Partnership for Peace and noted the importance of the 2010 elections as a litmus test of Burundi's stability. Russia called the pre-election campaign "feisty" and called for the Council to closely track the phases of the electoral process. Freedom of speech and peaceful assembly were also raised by most delegations, including France, Mexico, and Austria. Reintegration of ex-combatants was also mentioned as an important goal by most. Mexico, as Chair of the Children and Armed Conflict Working Group, specifically called for the strengthening of reintegration programs for children and families. ¶8. (SBU) Austria commended BINUB for its active promotion of UNSCR 1325, in particular by strengthening the role of women in the political process, including regionally. China noted the food shortages currently facing Burundi's regions and asked the international community to provide assistance for agricultural and social development. Costa Rica and Libya also focused on socio-economic reintegration as a key element of Burundi's continuing stability. Libya stated that the GOB should "spare no efforts" to address youth employment and anti-poverty programs, noting the relationship between rebel movements and lack of opportunities for youth. ¶9. (U) At the close of consultations, the Burkina Faso, as President of the Security Council, spoke to the press on behalf of the Council. He welcomed the political and electoral progress in Burundi, South Africa's facilitation efforts, the Regional Initiative for peace, as well as work done by the African Union and the Partnership for Peace in Burundi, and noted that Council members were encouraged by the consensus reached by the political actors on the central electoral issues. He also called on the Burundian parties to take appropriate measures for peaceful, free and fair elections in 2010, stressing the need for the international community to support elections preparation, the reintegration process, socio-economic recovery, and returns of internal displaced persons and refugees. Finally, he supported the recommendation of the Secretary-General to renew the BINUB mandate for one year. RICE