The Situation in Burundi As delivered The United States is deeply concerned about the human tragedy that is unfolding today in Burundi. President Mandela's eloquent and forceful statement reflects the urgency of the crisis. Burundi may be a small country, but the ramifications of its current crisis are enormous. The solution we seek in Burundi is what we seek for all of the conflicts in Africa and we will discuss the Congo next week. A peace not based on military stalemate, not on ethnic division or hatred, but a peace based on national reconciliation. The late President Nyerere, one of Africa's greatest statesmen, made great progress in the Arusha process. Now, with the leadership of President Mandela, we have an opportunity to revitalize that effort. We support President Mandela's call to pursue an inclusive peace process. In order for peace to be lasting and just, the negotiations must address the concerns of all parties. The United States must condemn again the policy of forced regroupment. We are concerned about the conditions of the so-called regroupment camps in the vicinity of Bujumbura and elsewhere. I would associate myself, in that regard, with the strong and eloquent remarks made by several people here, notably Ambassador Greenstock of the United Kingdom. Today, some 350,000 Burundians are forced to live in these makeshift camps in appalling conditions. We understand the complexities of the conflict or we hope we are trying to understand them. And have heard the justification for regroupment. But this complexity does not absolve the government from its basic responsibility under international law. We urge the Government of Burundi to take the steps necessary to alleviate this untenable situation. It must permit humanitarian workers to have immediate, full, and unconditional access to regroupment camps. It must adhere to the UN's Guiding Principles on Internally Displaced Persons. In this context, we welcome the statement made yesterday by the Government of Burundi that it would review the policy and begin dismantling a portion of the camps. But this is not enough, although an important step in the right direction. We also condemn the attacks on innocent civilians, who have been victimized by all armed belligerents. This culture of impunity must come to an end. Those who have committed crimes against innocents must be brought to justice. Finally, and no less urgently, as reflected in this morning's meeting, the international community must support the Arusha process. Today's resolution is an important start. But we must build on our work here. Our government is prepared to do its part--I'd like to announce that pending consultation with the Congress, seven of whose members are here today, two of whom are sitting directly behind me as I speak, Congressman Meeks and Congressman Ackerman and their colleagues--the United States is prepared to provide $500,000 to help facilitate the peace process. But I must be frank: no solution to the Burundi crisis will be easy, while the most vital ingredient is the will and efforts of the parties, no agreement will last without sustained international effort. Therefore, let us do everything we can to assist President Mandela as he moves forward. Thank you very much. [end of document]
|
