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Cablegate: Minutes of the August 29 Meeting Of

Published: Tue 9 Sep 2008 05:52 PM
VZCZCXRO8819
RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #0740/01 2531752
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 091752Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8399
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0622
INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE
RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 000740
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
UN, EUN
SUBJECT: Minutes of the August 29 meeting of
Joint Monitoring Group Task Force
REF: KINSHASA 720
1. Following are the official minutes of above-captioned meeting.
A reporting cable on the meeting is contained at reftel.
2. Begin minutes
SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING
Joint Monitoring Group
37TH Meeting of the TASK FORCE
Goma, 29 August 2008
The thirty seventh meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group/Task Force
(JMG/TF) was held in Goma on 29 August 2008, as scheduled. The
major highlights were: (a) discussion on proposal by Government of
Rwanda (GOR) for a field visit in Rwanda and (b) evaluation of the
activities in the implementation of the Nairobi Communique since the
last Special Envoys meeting on 4 June.
In attendance were representatives of Government of the DRC, the
GOR, as well as the RSA, US, AU, EU, and the UN. The Congolese
delegation was led by Col. Augustine Mamba and the Rwandan
delegation led by Mr. J. Damascene Rudasingwa. RSA was represented
by Mr. M. C. Mbalati, USA by Mr. Haywood Rankin, the AU by Lt. Col.
Capo Chi-chi Jean and UN by Archibald Moiwo. The EU representative
Mr. Bernard Sexe chaired the meeting. Noted was the absence of a
representative of the ICGL.
Eight points were on the agenda:
1.) Introductory Remarks
2.) Proposal by GOR for next field visit
3.) Evaluation of the JMG/TF activities in the
implementation of the Nairobi Communiqu since
the last Special Envoys meeting on 4 June 2008.
4.) Recommendations to the Special Envoys
5.) Minutes of the last meeting
6.) AOB
7.) Agenda for the next meeting
8.) Closing Remarks
Summary of discussions
In his introductory remarks, the Chairperson briefed the members of
the clash that took place between FARDC and CNDP on 28 August in
Rutshuru territory highlighting the impact it will have on the
entire peace process in eastern DRC. In addition to many casualties
and injuries, the clash triggered displacement of people causing
further humanitarian crisis. However, the situation was reportedly
calm at the time of reporting.
Proposal by GOR for next field visit
As per previous discussions, the GOR reiterated the
guidelines/conditions for field visits mentioning the objective,
place, security measures and who will be responsible for security.
After discussions, the TF agreed on a visit to a center for
civilians not considered by GOR as combatants in order to know how
they were treated and assisted by UNHCR for reinsertion into the
society. The GOR will make the necessary arrangements for the field
visit and will communicate the place and date during the next
meeting. Depending on approval by UNHCR Rwanda, the visit may take
place on either 12 or 19 September.
Evaluation of the JMG/TF activities in the implementation of the
Nairobi Communiqu
In the evaluation of the JMG/TF activities since 4 June 2008, the
GDRC highlighted the progress made in repatriations to Rwanda. So
far, 6,143 combatants have been repatriated to Rwanda and 6,398 are
believed to still be in DRC. The average repatriation figures show
steady increase on a monthly basis; that is from 30 to 60 per month.
GDRC has deployed 8 FARDC battalions in FDLR areas and 9 more are
being trained for eventual deployment. The TF was informed that the
GDRC had not only ensured the free movement of the populations in
former FDLR strong holds but is progressively taking control of
former FDLR positions. The FDLR have been squeezed out of many areas
where they formerly carried out economic activities.
GOR on their part confirmed that they have secured the DRC/Rwandan
border through increased patrol in order to control illegal
movements and support to armed groups in DRC. The delegation also
highlighted that they had provided the list of Genocidaires
KINSHASA 00000740 002 OF 002
including the names of those inside as well as outside DRC. The TF
was further briefed on efforts by GOR to encourage FDLR combatants
through vocational training and reintegration facilities to return
home. They further explained their efforts to publicize the Nairobi
communiqu as a motivation for combatants to accept repatriation.
They were equally taking measures to encourage refugees to return
home. Both countries confirmed their commitment to the Nairobi
Communiqu, with GDRC confirming commitment to both Nairobi and Goma
processes which were interlinked.
In the end the TF made 3 wishes: a) go to Kasiki to witness the
registration of ex-combatants, b) DDRRR sensitizers to give a
briefing to the TF on their activities, c) discuss with DDRRR the
possibility of TF joining them on sensitization campaigns.
Recommendations to the Special Envoys
No recommendations were given by the JMG-TF.
Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the 36th JMG/TF meeting was unanimously adopted.
Agenda of next meeting
The new points on the agenda are:
-- Finalization by GOR the proposition for a field visit to UNHCR
camp in Rwanda
-- Briefing on JMG/Special Envoys' meeting to be held in Kinshasa on
1 September
AOB
The meeting was informed about an African Union delegation that will
pay a working visit to Goma and Bukavu from 1 to 8 September. The
delegation will participate in the 37th meeting on 5 September.
End minutes
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