US embassy cable - 04KINSHASA1795

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001795 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/24/2014 
TAGS: KPAO, PGOV, PREL, CG 
SUBJECT: SEPT 23 CIAT MEETING-MEDIA, NEW YORK DEVELOPMENTS 
 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Roger Meece. Reason 1.4 (b/d) 
 
1. (U) Summary:  The International Committee to Support the 
Transition (CIAT) met September 23.   The CIAT invited the 
High Media Authority (HAM) officers to exchange views of how 
to best protect the freedom of the press while promoting a 
reconciliation agenda, ensure professional standards, and 
prepare for elections.  SRSG Swing also briefed CIAT members 
on a successful New York agreement to implement the 
DRC/Rwanda Joint Verification Mechanism (JVM), and reported 
that the first JVM meeting would be held October 4.  In 
addition, he reported a Ministerial meeting of CIAT members 
in New York.  The Ambassador received copies of the Secretary 
General,s communique regarding the JVM, and the Ministerial 
CIAT statement.  End summary . 
 
2.  (U) Chiefs of Mission of the International Committee to 
Support the Transition (CIAT) held a meeting September 23 at 
MONUC headquarters in Kinshasa, chaired by SRSG William 
Swing.  In follow-up to previous CIAT discussion of the role 
of the media in the DRC, and particularly the issue of the 
use of the media to exacerbate ethnic or regional tensions as 
well as general professional conduct, officers of the High 
Media Authority (HMA) were invited for the first hour of the 
CIAT meeting.  The HMA was created as one of the "civil 
society" structures of the transition to protect the freedom 
of the press and generally promote professionalism in press 
operations, and protect and promote human rights (as a 
component of free speech).  In opening comments, HMA chair 
Modeste Mutinga  laid out the HMA agenda, spelling out HMA 
plans for working commissions to address key areas, 
investigate complaints lodged by individuals, government 
representatives, or members of the media, and HMA authorities 
to levy fines or impose punitive actions in response to 
violations of media norms.  Mutinga also highlighted the 
issue of ensuring access by all parties and other groups to 
government-controlled media.  Mutinga reported that the first 
plenary session of media representatives is planned for 
September 29, but also emphasized that a lack of financial 
resources is hindering full implementation of HMA plans. 
 
3. (C) In the following discussion and in response to 
questions posed by CIAT members, Mutinga noted that the HMA 
takes very seriously its duty to promote liberty of the 
press, but also to respect professional standards. 
Specifically, Mutinga noted that the HMA is currently 
examining several complaints it has received, including some 
allegations of broadcasts that served to inflame ethnic 
tensions.  He said the HMA has requisitioned tapes from the 
relevant media outlets, and in response to the Ambassador,s 
question confirmed that the tapes have been received and are 
being examined.  He said this work should be completed before 
next week,s plenary conference. 
 
4. (U) Following the meeting with HMA officers, SRSG William 
Swing reported to the CIAT that the Secretary General had 
successfully obtained agreement in New York from both the 
Rwandan and DRC governments to implement the long-pending 
Joint Verification Mechanism (JVM).  Amb. Swing reported that 
he has received authority to convene the first meeting of the 
JVM in the region October 4. 
 
5. (U) Amb. Swing also reported that a Ministerial meeting of 
CIAT members had convened in New York September 22.   Amb. 
Swing conveyed to the Ambassador copies of the statement 
issued at the conclusion if this meeting, as well as a 
communique issued by the Secretary General,s office 
regarding the JVM agreement. 
 
6. (C) Comment:  As a repeated former victim of attempts to 
intimidate or otherwise suppress independent press, Mutinga 
seems well-qualified for his role as HMA chair.  While 
clearly hindered by a lack of resources, the HMA officers 
appear serious about carrying out their mandate as 
effectively as possible.  The meeting with the CIAT was 
useful to underscore international interest in media issues, 
and bolster a positive HMA agenda, including the issue of 
so-called &hate media8 or inflammatory language or 
presentations that feed ethnic conflict.  Mutinga later told 
the Ambassador he was pleased with the meeting.  The CIAT 
will likely continue to invite relevant interlocutors to 
discuss key issues, with the Independent Electoral Commission 
targeted for next week, pending their availability.  The New 
York agreements also appear to be good news, satisfying 
long-held GDRC frustrations to get the JVM going, and paving 
the way for increased regional cooperation in other areas. 
End comment. 
MEECE