VZCZCXYZ0015
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHJB #0293 1091547
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 191547Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY BUJUMBURA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0235
INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0007
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0003

UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000293 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR IO/T - GUINNEVERE ROBERTS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SENV TPHY WM BY
SUBJECT: BURUNDI RESPONSE TO WMO QUADRENNIAL CONGRESS 
         DEMARCHE 
 
REF: STATE 47359 
 
¶1.  (U) On April 19, POLOFF delivered reftel points 
concerning USG interests in the upcoming World Meteorological 
Organization (WMO) Congress to Ambassador Aldolphe Nahayo, 
the Director for International Organizations in Burundi's 
Ministry of External Relations and Cooperation (Foreign 
Affairs).  Ambassador Nahayo confirmed that Burundi is 
sending two delegates from the Ministry for Land Management, 
the Environment and Tourism, including Minister Odette 
Kayitesi, to the WMO Congress which begins on May 7 in 
Geneva.  He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to 
review the USG key issues and priorities for the WMO 
Congress.  Ambassador Nahayo verbally acknowledged and agreed 
with each of the major points and further assured POLOFF that 
additional discussions with ministry members would take place 
prior to the quadrennial session. 
 
¶2.  (U) Ambassador Nahayo stressed the important link between 
environmental changes and the economic development of 
Burundi. In particular, Ambassador Nahayo noted the need to 
improve disaster preparedness in Burundi.  Burundi has 
recently suffered through extended periods of drought 
followed by an abundance of rain, causing widespread 
flooding, crop failure and food shortages.  He added that 
Burundi will not hesitate to consult USG representatives in 
Geneva should additional discussion, clarification or 
negotiation be warranted. 
 
MOLLER