European ambassadors promise assistance after UN-assisted elections in Burundi

The United Nations mission in Burundi has hosted four high-level diplomats who said if assistance is wisely used, their countries will aid the country emerging from civil conflict after UN-assisted elections led to the swearing-in of a President to head a post-transition Government in August.

The four were Special Representative of the African Union (AU) in Burundi Mamadou Bah, Ambassador of France Alain Girma, Ambassador of the United Kingdom Jeremy Macadie, and European Commission (EC) Representative Georges-Marc André.

At a news conference arranged yesterday by the UN Operation in Burundi (ONUB), the diplomats warned against misusing donor aid provided to the country.

"We would like to see our assistance used most judiciously," Mr. Macadie said.

In this connection, Mr. André said that according to the March 2000 Cotonou Agreement signed between African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and the European Commission, the Commission's grants will be turned into loans if recipient Governments mismanage the funds.

Mr. Bah added, "I often hear you ask, 'What should Burundi legitimately expect?' I would like you to often ponder what people should legitimately expect from Burundi. People legitimately expect from Burundi hard work, much effort and considerable sincerity and transparency in management. These are the qualities that most countries benefiting from aid lack. This situation must change."