VZCZCXYZ0001
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #1317 3322250
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P R 282240Z NOV 07
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 9771
INFO RUEHJB/AMEMBASSY BUJUMBURA 0869
RUEHKM/AMEMBASSY KAMPALA 3236
RUEHLGB/AMEMBASSY KIGALI 5200
RUEHKI/AMEMBASSY KINSHASA 7041

UNCLAS STATE 161317 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CG KPKO PREL UNSC
SUBJECT: TALKING POINTS FOR UNSC CONSULTATIONS ON THE DRC 
 
 
¶1. USUN is instructed to draw from the following talking 
points for UN Security Council consultations regarding the 
Democratic Republic of Congo on November 28. 
 
Begin points: 
 
--Despite improvement in the overall security environment and 
the success of the recent national elections, the United 
States remains concerned about the security situation in 
eastern DRC. 
 
--In view of the unsettled security situation in eastern 
Congo, we clearly need to maintain a robust MONUC 
peacekeeping presence.  Given the high demand for UN 
peacekeeping, the USG has previously indicated its desire for 
a drawdown plan for MONUC.  However, FARDC troops must be 
able to stand on their own and security conditions must 
improve before downsizing can begin.  The United States 
greatly appreciates the Secretary General,s efforts to 
provide benchmarks that will help guide our evaluation of 
MONUC,s progress and the potential for an eventual reduction 
in force levels in the future. 
 
--While the U.S. is committed to strengthening the capacity 
of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) to deal with the 
negative forces in the east, MONUC must continue to play a 
key role in providing security and stability, especially in 
the Kivus. 
 
--The United States commends MONUC,s role in the DRC.  Under 
Ambassador Swing,s leadership, MONUC helped ensure security 
for the landmark national elections in 2006, and the 
operation continues to play a key role in protecting 
civilians and humanitarian operations, which remain critical 
to stability in much of eastern Congo. 
 
--Despite these achievements, key challenges remain, 
including local elections in 2008 and confronting the 
remaining elements of the FDLR/ex-FAR/Interahamwe and other 
illegal armed groups in eastern Congo.  The United States 
welcomes the November 9 Agreement between the Congolese and 
Rwandan governments, which provides a roadmap for dismantling 
the negative forces in the east.  This effort will require 
continued cooperation between the Armed Forces of the DRC and 
MONUC. 
 
--MONUC,s upcoming mandate renewal, due by December 31, will 
be an opportunity to consider these issues in the context of 
the recent Nairobi Agreement.  A key issue for this 
discussion is how MONUC can most usefully support efforts to 
address the remaining negative forces in eastern DRC.  We 
look forward to deliberating with other Members of the 
Council as we consider options for MONUC,s upcoming mandate 
renewal. 
 
--Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to applaud 
Ambassador Swing for his years of extraordinary service to 
the UN.  His performance as the Secretary General,s Special 
Representative for the Democratic Republic of Congo has been 
a credit to the entire UN system.  We thank Ambassador Swing 
for all his efforts, which have been central to the process 
of bringing peace to central Africa. 
 
End points. 
 
The point of contact is Greg Pollock at 202-736-7789 
RICE