Security Council

4749^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL CONGRATULATES BURUNDI ON 1 MAY PEACEFUL TRANSITION

OF POWER, IN PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT

Says Security, Judicial Reforms Now Crucial

To Ensure Success of 36-Month Transitional Period

The Security Council this afternoon congratulated the parties in Burundi on a peaceful transition of power in the presidency of the transitional Government on

1 May, characterizing the development as a major milestone in the implementation of the 2000 Arusha Peace Agreement, which established the structure of the peace process in the country.

In a statement read by its President, Munir Akram (Pakistan), the Council stressed that it was now crucial to follow up on that positive development with such outstanding Arusha provisions as security sector and judicial reforms. Resolving such pressing and other related issues was the only way to ensure that the 36-month transitional period was a success.

Domitian Ndayizeye, a Hutu, took over from Pierre Buyoya, a Tutsi, midway through the three-year interim period, at the end of which elections will be held.

Strongly condemning last month’s attacks on Bujumbura, and other cities by the forces of CNDD-FDD (Nkurunziza), the Security Council urged all Burundian parties to observe the terms of the ceasefire agreements and implement them without delay.  It also reiterated its demands that FNL (Rwasa) lay down its arms and immediately enter into a ceasefire with the Government of Burundi without preconditions.

The Council urged all relevant regional parties and actors to continue their efforts to bring about a lasting peace in Burundi and expressed support for the speedy deployment of the African mission there.  Also addressed in the statement are human rights and accountability issues, as well as donor support for the country and the need for the Burundian parties themselves to take ownership of the process to address the devastating impact of impunity.

The meeting was called to order at 12:25 p.m. and adjourned at 12:38 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of the presidential statement, to be issued as document S/PRST/2003/4, reads, as follows:

“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 Security 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 to, within their abilities, 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 Security 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.”