DATE=1/14/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=BURUNDI-REGROUPMENT CAMPS (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-258090
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Burundi's ambassador to the United Nations,
Marc Nteturuye (En-tet-ur-ray-yeah) today (Friday)
defended his nation's policy of relocating hundreds of
thousands of people into so-called "regroupment
camps." VOA Correspondent Breck Ardery reports.
TEXT: Mr. Nteturuye told reporters Burundi's policy
of "regroupment" is a success. The Tutsi-controlled
government has resettled more than 300-thousand
people, mostly ethnic Hutus, into more than 60 camps.
The Burundi government has been engaged in fighting
against a Hutu-led rebel movement.
Speaking with the aid of an English translator, Mr.
Nteturuye said "regroupment" is meant to shield
civilians from the fighting.
///TRANSLATOR ACT///
We want to protect the civilians who are victims
of killings and acts of terrorism on the part of
the rebels. In fact, these people (rebels) hide
in civilian houses and use these people
(civilians) as shields instead of facing the
opposition.
///END ACT///
But Burundi's "regroupment" policy has come under
strong international criticism. The U-N Security
Council has issued several statements condemning the
policy and calling on Burundi to shut down the
"regroupment" camps and allow the detainees to return
to their homes. International humanitarian aid workers
say the conditions in most of the camps are terrible
with poor nutrition, inadequate sanitation and rampant
disease. They say the isolation of many of the camps,
along with a lack of security, has made it difficult
or impossible for aid workers to reach them.
The crisis in Burundi will be discussed by the U-N
Security Council on Wednesday (1-19) as part of the
Council's month-long review of the problems affecting
Africa.
Some diplomats say the only optimistic factor in the
Burundi situation is the agreement of former South
African President Nelson Mandela to act as mediator
between the government and rebel groups. Because both
sides seem to respect Mr. Mandela and view him as
unbiased, there is hope he will be able to effectively
work toward a peace and power-sharing agreement.
Mr. Mandela is scheduled to meet Sunday in the
northern Tanzanian town of Arusha with representatives
of Burundi's government and opposition. He will also
attend the Security Council session on Burundi.
(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/ENE/PT
14-Jan-2000 16:26 PM EDT (14-Jan-2000 2126 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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