Brussels, 06/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Spanish Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the EU on 3 May:
"Almost six months after the transitional institutions began to be set up, the EU is extremely concerned by the continuing violence and worsening humanitarian situation, particularly in rural Bujumbura. Once again it urges all warring factions to respect the civilian population in the name of international humanitarian law, and all parties to respect human rights. The EU condemns once again the logic of war, still apparently being followed by the armed groups. It urges all armed factions to continue current talks with the firm intention of bringing them to a successful conclusion. At the same time the EU calls on the Burundian Government to pursue a transparent and coherent policy of reintegrating armed groups into the Burundian army. It encourages the efforts to negotiate a definitive and permanent cease-fire which are continuing under Gabonese/South African facilitation and with the support of Tanzanian mediation. The EU is ready to support this process, provided that a timetable and precise objectives are announced. The EU also encourages the Government and all the transitional institutions to consolidate the reform process which has already begun by implementing the transition programme in accordance with the planned timetable, so as to construct a Burundian society which complies with the contents of the agreement and caters for all Burundians. Within this framework, the EU expresses its willingness to continue to support this process. The EU notes the beginning of the operation for the voluntary repatriation of Burundian refugees in Tanzania under the Tripartite Agreement between the UNHCR and the Burundian and Tanzanian Governments. It points out that, in accordance with the Arusha Agreement, the return of refugees must be voluntary and take place in dignity with guaranteed security, taking into account the particular vulnerability of women and children. The EU urges the armed groups to do everything possible to guarantee the security of refugees returning to Burundi. Reception mechanisms must be put in place before their return. The Arusha Agreement also provides that preparatory activities are to be undertaken with a view to the rehabilitation and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons, such as the establishment of a National Commission for the Rehabilitation of Sinistrés, a Sub-Commission on Land and a National Fund for Sinistrés (Protocol IV, Chapter 1, Article 2(2)(c) and (d) and Articles 3 and 9). The EU calls on all the parties involved to deal with the question of the Burundian refugees' return home in unhurried fashion and with all the desired guarantees. It also asks that equal attention should be paid to all the victims of the Burundian crisis, including the internally regrouped and displaced. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the EU, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the EEA align themselves with this declaration."