VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUCNDT #1155/01 3572147
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 232147Z DEC 09
FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7911
INFO RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHJB/AMEMBASSY BUJUMBURA PRIORITY 0892

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 
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