Menu
29/08/2003
Kagame's Rwandan poll victory welcomed, despite 'irregularities'
The Foreign Secretary has welcomed the election of the new president of Rwanda and expressed his hope that this would mark the "start of a new chapter in the political life and development" of the country.
Jack Straw congratulated Paul Kagame on his victory – in which he attracted 95% of the popular vote – despite the fact that independent observers have reported "irregularities in the electoral process". The chief electoral commissioner for Rwanda, Chrysologue Karangwa, has however dismissed these claims and defended the electoral process as "free and fair".
The Foreign Secretary said that Rwanda had come "a long way" since "the terrible events of the genocide" in 1994 when up to 800,000 people killed in inter-tribal conflict between Hutus and Tutsis.
"Significant progress has been made on reconciliation and reconstruction. But there are still many challenges as Rwanda moves towards the realisation of a fully democratic and inclusive state," said Mr Straw.
"We look to President Kagame to continue the opening of political space and dialogue in Rwanda, particularly in the lead-up to the forthcoming legislative elections. Britain will continue to work with the government and people of Rwanda as they build a new nation," he added.
Elsewhere, a separate prosecutor's post was created today for the UN war crimes tribunal for Rwanda after the Security Council decided to split the prosecutorial duties of the two UN courts trying cases stemming from the 1994 genocide and the Balkan wars of the 1990s.
The 15-nation Council unanimously adopted a resolution that divided the prosecutor's job - which is currently held by one person, Carla Del Ponte, who has occupied the post since 1999 - saying that it was convinced the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) could both operate "most efficiently and expeditiously" if each had its own lead attorney.
(gmcg)
Jack Straw congratulated Paul Kagame on his victory – in which he attracted 95% of the popular vote – despite the fact that independent observers have reported "irregularities in the electoral process". The chief electoral commissioner for Rwanda, Chrysologue Karangwa, has however dismissed these claims and defended the electoral process as "free and fair".
The Foreign Secretary said that Rwanda had come "a long way" since "the terrible events of the genocide" in 1994 when up to 800,000 people killed in inter-tribal conflict between Hutus and Tutsis.
"Significant progress has been made on reconciliation and reconstruction. But there are still many challenges as Rwanda moves towards the realisation of a fully democratic and inclusive state," said Mr Straw.
"We look to President Kagame to continue the opening of political space and dialogue in Rwanda, particularly in the lead-up to the forthcoming legislative elections. Britain will continue to work with the government and people of Rwanda as they build a new nation," he added.
Elsewhere, a separate prosecutor's post was created today for the UN war crimes tribunal for Rwanda after the Security Council decided to split the prosecutorial duties of the two UN courts trying cases stemming from the 1994 genocide and the Balkan wars of the 1990s.
The 15-nation Council unanimously adopted a resolution that divided the prosecutor's job - which is currently held by one person, Carla Del Ponte, who has occupied the post since 1999 - saying that it was convinced the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) could both operate "most efficiently and expeditiously" if each had its own lead attorney.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 November 2012
UK Suspends Rwanda Aid Payment
The UK has stopped a payment woth £21m in aid to Rwanda. This is amid issues over the country's involvement in the conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo. An aid payment of £16m was paid to Rwanda in September despite concerns over alleged support for the M23 militia in DR Congo.
UK Suspends Rwanda Aid Payment
The UK has stopped a payment woth £21m in aid to Rwanda. This is amid issues over the country's involvement in the conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo. An aid payment of £16m was paid to Rwanda in September despite concerns over alleged support for the M23 militia in DR Congo.
27 January 2012
Holocaust Memorial Opportunity To End Discrimination
A major worker's union is calling for an end to discrimination and prejudice on Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday. The day of remembrance is held on January 27 - on the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, where 1.6 million men, women and children were killed in the Holocaust.
Holocaust Memorial Opportunity To End Discrimination
A major worker's union is calling for an end to discrimination and prejudice on Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday. The day of remembrance is held on January 27 - on the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, where 1.6 million men, women and children were killed in the Holocaust.
23 July 2007
Cameron denies leadership rift
Conservative leader David Cameron has attempted to scotch rumours of a leadership rift in the party. Mr Cameron, who is on a trip to Rwanda to set out his approach to global poverty, has sought to dismiss the rumours. The Tory leader said that suggestions that Conservative MPs were seeking a vote of no-confidence was a "non-story.
Cameron denies leadership rift
Conservative leader David Cameron has attempted to scotch rumours of a leadership rift in the party. Mr Cameron, who is on a trip to Rwanda to set out his approach to global poverty, has sought to dismiss the rumours. The Tory leader said that suggestions that Conservative MPs were seeking a vote of no-confidence was a "non-story.
16 January 2006
Ex-Rwandan soldier jailed for tourist murders
A former Rwandan solider has been sentenced to 15 years in jail for the murder of eight tourists, including four Britons, and a tour guide at a Ugandan park. Last week, Jean-Paul Bizimana, 31, was found guilty of the murders, which took place in March 1999.
Ex-Rwandan soldier jailed for tourist murders
A former Rwandan solider has been sentenced to 15 years in jail for the murder of eight tourists, including four Britons, and a tour guide at a Ugandan park. Last week, Jean-Paul Bizimana, 31, was found guilty of the murders, which took place in March 1999.
25 January 2005
'The Aviator' leads the way in Oscar race
'The Aviator', Martin Scorsese's Howard Hughes biopic, is a hot favourite at this year's Oscars, having received eleven nominations including nods for 'Best Picture', 'Best Director' and 'Best Actor' for its star, Leonardo DiCaprio.
'The Aviator' leads the way in Oscar race
'The Aviator', Martin Scorsese's Howard Hughes biopic, is a hot favourite at this year's Oscars, having received eleven nominations including nods for 'Best Picture', 'Best Director' and 'Best Actor' for its star, Leonardo DiCaprio.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
