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 
 
¶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