HEADQUARTERS MEETING WARNS BURUNDI’S CRITICAL ECONOMIC SITUATION ENDANGERS FRAGILE PEACE PROCESS

HEADQUARTERS MEETING WARNS BURUNDI’S CRITICAL ECONOMIC SITUATION

ENDANGERS FRAGILE PEACE PROCESS

NEW YORK, 14 June, Department of Political Affairs -— The Department of Political Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly organized at United Nations Headquarters, New York, on 14 June 2002, a meeting on the critical economic situation in Burundi.  It was attended by the international members of the Implementation Monitoring Committee for the Arusha Agreement, the special envoys/special representatives for Burundi and the representatives of the donor community.

The purpose of the meeting was to find rapid disbursement solutions in order to meet Burundi’s immediate financial needs which, if not covered, risk endangering the already fragile peace process.

At the end of the discussions, the meeting concluded that there are serious indications of a marked deterioration in Burundi’s socio-economic situation.  To the social tensions is added the risk of political tensions, particularly given the 1 May 2003 deadline which should mark the start of the second phase of the transition.  Participants unanimously emphasized the urgent need to provide support in the form of budgetary and/or non-project assistance without awaiting the conclusion of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The IMF has confirmed the timetable for the preparation of a post-conflict programme for Burundi, which should be submitted to its Executive Board in late September/early October, if the conditions the Fund is waiting for have been established.

General consensus emerged regarding the need to accelerate disbursement of the commitments entered into at the Geneva round table.  The need to strengthen the response to the consolidated humanitarian appeal for 2002 (CAP 2002) was also emphasized.

All participants were invited to transmit to their respective governments and institutions this urgent appeal for the provision of immediate support to Burundi.

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