ACCESSION NUMBER:00000
FILE ID:95052203.AAF
DATE:05/22/95
TITLE:U.S. PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR RWANDAN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL
TEXT:
(Shattuck underscores urgent need for justice) (670)
By Louis Segesvary
Special to USIA
NAIROBI -- In his third visit to Rwanda since the outbreak of the
genocidal killing there in April of 1994, U.S. Assistant Secretary of
State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor John Shattuck has
underscored the urgency of bringing justice to the ravaged nation.
As he committed $3 million additional U.S. financial assistance for
the Rwandan War Crimes Tribunal and $4 million towards re-establishing
its judicial system, Shattuck stated justice was indispensable to
securing peace and stability in Rwanda.
"The first and most important step to reconciliation in Rwanda is
justice," Shattuck told reporters during his May 18-19 visit to
Kigali.
"The principal movers in the genocide must be identified and then
prosecuted so that the cloud of collective guilt and confusion hanging
over Rwanda can be lifted. The Rwandans can then go an rebuilding
their country," he said.
Addressing a special session of the 20-nation Rwanda operational
Support Group which is co-chaired by the United States, Shattuck said
he wanted to express "in the most concrete possible terms the
continuing commitment of the United States government to address the
genocide and human rights catastrophe which Rwanda has suffered, and
our determination to see justice prevail -- so that those who are
responsible for this enormous crime are punished."
The five point assistance program he announced included:
-- a $3 million U.S. cash contribution to the Rwandan War Crimes
Tribunal, equaling the U.S. contribution to the Yugoslavian war Crimes
Tribunal;
-- a commitment of U.S. prosecutors and investigators to help staff
the Rwandan Tribunal;
-- a $4 million pledge for the administration of justice in Rwanda, to
assist the Rwandan Ministry of Justice and the International Committee
for the Red Cross (ICRC);
-- an additional substantial contribution for the U.N. Commission on
Human Rights Field Office in Rwanda;
-- a pledge to supply the International War Crimes Tribunal with all
U.S. intelligence and other information concerning genocide and crimes
against humanity in Rwanda that might be relevant for prosecution of
the criminal leaders who will be the targets of the Tribunal's work.
To date, the United States has contributed $274 million for
humanitarian programs in Rwanda, $4 million to rebuild government
ministries, $2.5 million to pay World Bank arrears, and $860,000 for
the human rights field office. In addition, the U.S. has dispatched a
large Defense Department de-mining team to Rwanda and is providing
vehicles, commodities, and rehabilitation assistance to the Rwandan
government.
During his Kigali visit, Shattuck met with the leaders of the Rwandan
government, including President Bizimungu, Vice President Kagama,
Prime Minister Twagiramungu, and Justice Minister Nkubito. He also
visited the Kigali prison and met with representatives of the ICRC to
discuss urgent measures to address inhumane prison conditions and
overcrowding. In addition, he held meetings with the U.N. Secretary
General's representative to Rwanda Sherijah Khan, and with U.N.
officials at the human rights field office.
In Nairobi Shattuck told journalists at the USIS American center his
meetings in Rwanda had focused on the urgency for concerted action in
three specific areas:
-- making the procedures and criteria for legal arrest clear and
transparent, with arresting officials to be accountable to civilian
prosecutors and the Justice Ministry.
-- reducing prison overcrowding through measures proposed by the ICRC
and through a review of prisoners' cases.
-- appointing and training magistrates and courts, with the potential
use of foreign magistrates by the Rwandan government on an emergency
basis.
Shattuck noted that the Rwandan government agreed to review these
areas and to work to implement measures to improve the justice system.
He said that he had received the Rwanda government's commitment to
prosecute soldiers and officials who commit crimes. "These are
important elements in the ongoing and very difficult effort to end
impunity and restore justice in Rwanda so that the process of national
reconciliation can begin," Mr. Shattuck concluded.
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