| Date | 2 May 2003 |
|---|---|
| Started | 12:25 |
| Ended | 12:35 |
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The situation in Burundi
| President: |  | Mr. Akram Pakistan |
(The Presidency changes each month to the next member in alphabetical order) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Members: |  | Mr. Antonio Angola |
 | Mr. Tafrov Bulgaria |
 | Mr. Chungong Ayafor Cameroon |
 | Mr. Maquieira Chile |
 | Mr. Chen Xu China |
 | Mr. De La Sablière France |
|
 | Mr. Pleuger Germany |
 | Mr. Camara Guinea |
 | Mr. Ascencio Mexico |
|
 | Mr. Konuzin Russia |
 | Ms. Menéndez Spain |
 | Mr. Wehbe Syria |
|
 | Mr. King United Kingdom |
 | Mr. Negroponte United States |
|||
Expression of thanks to the retiring President
The President
As this is the first meeting of the Security Council for the month of May, I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to Mr. Adolfo Aguilar Zinser, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations, for his service as President of the Security Council for the month of April 2003. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Aguilar Zinser for the great diplomatic skill with which he conducted the Council’s business last month.
Adoption of the agenda
The situation in Burundi
The President
I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Burundi, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council’s agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure.
There being no objection, it is so decided.
The President
The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations.
After consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council.
“The Security Council congratulates the Burundian parties on a peaceful transition of power in accordance with the 2000 Arusha Peace Agreement. The transition in presidency represents a major milestone in the implementation of the Agreement.
“The Security Council believes that it is now crucial to follow up this positive development with the implementation of those Arusha provisions that are still outstanding, such as meaningful security sector and judicial reforms. Resolving such pressing and other related issues is the only way to ensure that the 36-month transitional period is a success.
“The Security Council condemns the 17 April and 25 April attacks on Bujumbura and other cities by the forces of CNDD-FDD (Nkurunziza). The Council takes note of the CNDD-FDD’s 27 April statement that it will refrain from attacking unless attacked and urges all Burundian parties to observe the terms of the ceasefire agreements and implement them without delay.
“The Security Council reiterates its demands that FNL (Rwasa) lay down its arms and immediately enter into a ceasefire with the Government of Burundi without preconditions. The FNL’s unwillingness to date to seek a peaceful resolution of this conflict makes it difficult for the international community to accept the legitimacy of its concerns.
“The Security Council urges all relevant regional parties and actors to continue their efforts to bring about a lasting peace in Burundi and stands ready to consider steps against those that are found to continue to support armed attacks by the Burundi rebels.
“The Security Council also expresses support for the speedy deployment of the African Mission in Burundi to facilitate the continuing implementation of the ceasefire agreements. The Council appeals for adequate and sustained international assistance to the African Mission in Burundi, while underscoring the importance of providing the donor community with as many details as possible to enable it to make determinations regarding the best way to assist the Mission.
“The Security Council urges donors to support the economy of Burundi, to honour the engagements taken at the Paris and Geneva Conferences, and, within their abilities, to provide as a matter of the utmost urgency budgetary and balance of payments support to the Government of Burundi and to contribute generously to the transitional debt relief fund, with continued strong performance on economic reforms by the Government of Burundi.
“The Security Council urges the Burundian parties to take serious, meaningful steps to address human rights and accountability issues. In this regard, the Council welcomes the approval by the Burundian Senate on 23 April of legislation on genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and legislation establishing a truth and reconciliation commission. The Council looks forward to their effective implementation.
“The Security Council reaffirms the vital importance of the Burundian parties themselves taking ownership of the process to address the devastating impact of impunity, as detailed in the Arusha Accords. The international community pledges its willingness and readiness to assist in efforts to build up the Burundian capacity for promoting respect for human rights standards and the rule of law.
“The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to continue to support the peace process in Burundi, including the immediate and full implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed by the Burundian parties.”
This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2003/4.
The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.
