Mr. President,I would like to thank you for this opportunity to participate in today’s meeting on Burundi in my capacity as the Chair of the Burundi country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission. As you know, Sweden recently assumed the Chairmanship for the Burundi configuration and we very much welcome this opportunity to engage with the Security Council.
Since the last Peacebuilding Commission briefing on Burundi to the Council on 22 May, there have been a number of positive developments, including the cessation of hostilities. At the same time, the peace process continues to face significant challenges, which require national stakeholders to show willingness to compromise, and illustrate the need for coordinated and robust additional support from regional actors and the international community.
On June 23 the Peacebuilding Commission and the Government of Burundi undertook the first Biannual Review of the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding. Drawing on a comprehensive progress report, this landmark meeting resulted in concrete recommendations to all relevant stakeholders on a number of issues such as: the implementation of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement between the Government of Burundi and the Palipehutu-FNL, security, justice and the promotion of the rule of law, land reform, socio-economic recovery, and the gender dimensions of peacebuilding.
In the area of good governance, the biannual review focused on creating the conditions for free and fair elections in 2010. These elections represent a milestone for the consolidation of democracy and peace in Burundi. The biannual review recommended that a revised draft legal framework for the elections reflecting Burundi’s political reality should be presented to the National Assembly by December 2008. The Peacebuilding Commission also called on all political parties to promote constructive dialogue, adhere to the electoral code of conduct, and to respect the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution. In this regard, we welcome the resumption of work at the level of the National Assembly.
The review meeting also stressed that the establishment of the National Independent Electoral Commission is essential for the preparations of the elections and recommended that the Commission should be operational by the first half of 2009. In this regard, I am happy to note the 18 June Presidential decree establishing a permanent National Independent Electoral Commission. I would also like to encourage the Government of Burundi to consider soliciting support from the international community, including the United Nations, in preparations and conduct of the next elections.
In the last few weeks, the Government of Burundi has demonstrated a commitment to follow-up on these recommendations. The Peacebuilding Commission stands ready to provide continued support to the Government and all other stakeholders for the 2010 elections, including by supporting the development of a roadmap for their preparation.
Mr. President, The biannual review meeting stressed the importance of the implementation of the 2006 ceasefire agreement between the Government and the Palipehutu-FNL in accordance with the timeframes outlined in the Revised Programme of Action to take forward the Burundi peace process. The return of the Palipehutu-FNL leader Mr. Agathon Rwasa to Bujumbura, the signing of the Magialesburg agreement on 11 June 2008, and the meeting between President Nkurunziza and Mr. Rwasa on 18 August are important steps forward in the peace process. This positive momentum must be seized upon and every effort should be made to finalize the implementation of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement by the end of 2008, well in advance of the 2010 elections in order to avoid the convergence of these two critical processes. The international community must continue to support the Regional Initiative, the South African Facilitation, the Political Directorate and the Group of Special Envoys for Burundi in their efforts to assist the Government and the Palipehutu-FNL in implementing the Ceasefire Agreement.
The successful implementation of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement would constitute a vital step towards peace consolidation that would enable Burundi and its partners to focus on other critical challenges, including combating poverty, security sector reform, good governance, democratic consolidation and the fight against impunity. The Peacebuilding Commission will continue to support the Government of Burundi to mobilize adequate resources to meet these challenges.
Sweden, together with the other members of the PBC Burundi configuration, will continue to build on the excellent initiatives undertaken by the previous chair Norway, under the untiring leadership of Ambassador Johan Lovald. We look forward to further interactions with the Security Council and other relevant actors, including the World Bank and the IMF, on the developments in Burundi. In preparation for the next biannual review of the Strategic Framework we will continue to hold thematic meetings, including a planned meeting to discuss the preparations for the elections in 2010. I also hope to visit Burundi in the near future to gain first hand perspectives and establish constructive working relations with the Government of Burundi and other key stakeholders.
Mr. President, In conclusion, allow me to commend the Government and all the national stakeholders for their constructive engagement in the implementation of the Strategic Framework and the first biannual review meeting. Let me also use this occasion to thank BINUB for assisting the Peacebuilding Commission and the Government of Burundi so ably in this regard. The integrated structure of BINUB and the strategic leadership by the ERSG will continue to be important for effective UN support to peacebuilding in Burundi.
Thank You