DATE=12/3/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-BURUNDI CONCERNS (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256811
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council today
(Friday) repeated its concern about the situation in
the African nation of Burundi where fighting has
created a major humanitarian crisis. VOA Correspondent
Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.
TEXT: Security Council President Jeremy Greenstock of
Britain said the fighting between government and rebel
forces in Burundi has caused a worsening humanitarian
situation there. Burundi's army has moved more than
300 thousand civilians into so-called "regroupment"
camps, a move the army says is designed to keep the
civilians safe from the fighting.
But international aid officials say conditions in the
camps are horrendous with poor sanitation conditions
and a lack of food. Mr. Greenstock said the Security
Council wants the camps shut down.
///Greenstock act///
The Council repeated its concern at the policy
of forced regroupment and called on the
government of Burundi to allow the affected
people to return to their homes with full and
unhindered access throughout the process.
///end act///
Conditions in the regroupment camps were also
discussed by Kathleen Kristofferson, U-N Humanitarian
Coordinator in Burundi. The world organization has cut
back many of its activities in Burundi after two U-N
aid workers there were shot to death in October.
However, Ms. Kristofferson said United Nations relief
workers are still trying to do the best they can under
extremely difficult circumstances.
///Kristofferson act///
What you have in Burundi today is a combination
of the continued forced relocation of Burundian
families, the fleeing of many families into
Tanzania and all this is taking place against
the backdrop of one of the worst droughts in
recent history in Burundi.
///end act///
The only optimistic note about Burundi at the United
Nations involved the decision by former South African
President Nelson Mandela to become the new peace
mediator between the government and rebel groups in
Burundi. The Security Council welcomed the move and
offered Mr. Mandela its full support. Mr. Mandela
replaces former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere
whose death in October brought a halt to any
meaningful peace talks.(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/PT
03-Dec-1999 15:40 PM EDT (03-Dec-1999 2040 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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