PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL, AT PRIVATE COUNCIL MEETING WITH NELSON MANDELA, THANKS FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT FOR HIS ROLE IN BURUNDI PEACE PROCESS

PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL, AT PRIVATE COUNCIL MEETING WITH NELSON MANDELA,

THANKS FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT FOR HIS ROLE IN BURUNDI PEACE PROCESS

Following is the statement by Security Council President Keith D. Knight, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, on the occasion of the Council’s private meeting today with Nelson Mandela:

On behalf of the members of the Security Council, it is both an honour and a pleasure to welcome Madiba Nelson Mandela once again to this Chamber.  Madiba, words fail us in expressing gratitude to you for the outstanding achievements that you have made in bringing the Burundi peace process on track.  The views of the members of the Security Council will be expressed in a Presidential Statement that will be adopted immediately following this meeting, but I have the privilege to say a few words on behalf of members of the Council.

It is well acknowledged that your statesmanship and wisdom have served to enhance the peace process in Burundi, and have led to the establishment of the new Transitional Government in Burundi.

We know only too well that the task of Facilitator of the Burundi peace process was not easy.  In fact there were times when mere mortals would have given up hope.  But you, Madiba, with the courage of a freedom fighter, the tenacity and resilience of a visionary, stood the course even against the odds.  Your moral leadership in the African continent is enough cause for us to celebrate your victory and pay tribute to you for such a formidable task.

While we are aware that sustainable peace is still far from reality in Burundi, it is true to say that you have contributed immensely to giving Burundians a chance for lasting peace by giving them an opportunity to enter into a new political dispensation in their country, based on reconciliation and dialogue.

As you demit this Office of Facilitator, we are mindful of your promise not to abandon the people of Burundi but to remain as a moral guarantor of the peace process.  You have now passed the baton to the international community and the Burundian leaders themselves to build on the foundation that you have laid, so that the gains achieved so far will not be lost.

Madiba, you have fought the good fight.  Walk good.

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