UN Panel's findings rejected

Burundi has "categorically rejected" the findings of the report by a UN panel of experts on the illegal exploitation of resources in the DRC. In a letter to the Security Council, Burundi's ambassador to the UN Marc Nteturuye urged the Council not to support the report's conclusions concerning Burundi.

"The report contains grave distortions with respect to Burundi, since the gravity of its conclusions and recommendations is out of proportion to the single paragraph that accuses Burundi," the letter stated. In its rejection of the report, the Burundi government said the document "provides no tangible proof" of the allegations against Burundi.

It said it noted with surprise that Burundi was named as one of the countries that invaded and occupied the DRC and participated in the pillage of its wealth. "The Panel would do better to visit Burundi once again and hold discussions with the different departments," the Burundi government statement said.

"It would also be desirable for the Panel to visit the border areas and speak with the local people. Prior to a real enquiry of this kind, it is unfair and premature to speak of reparations, compensation of the victims, and sanctions." The statement stressed Burundi's willingness to cooperate with the Panel.

"In this context the government of Burundi will shortly submit to the Security Council proposals aimed at guaranteeing security on its border with the DRC, and at adapting the provisions of the Lusaka ceasefire agreement to the movements of the "coalesced negative forces" headed for new rear bases in order to carry on a total war in Burundi."