Sir, - Vincent Browne (August 21st) rightly condemns the "waffle" that seems to make up the EU policy towards Burundi. Since October 1993, when Melchior Ndadaye - the first democratically elected President of Burundi - was assassinated, the world watched and did nothing as the country degenerated into a savage civil war.
For over two years the international community, including the EU and the US, has continued to reassure us that Burundi is not Rwanda, that its situation is different and that genocide like Rwanda's cannot take place there. Yet how does one describe the ethnic massacres of women, children and old people - massacres carried out by the Tutsi-dominated army and militias on one side, and by Hutu insurgents on the other side - if not as genocide? Over 150,000 have died from violence in less than three years.
Undoubtedly the long-term solution to Burundi's misery lies in the regional mediation initiatives led by the former Tanzanian President, Julius Nyerere. However, this will be a slow and painstaking process, given Burundi's appalling history of massacres, ethnic killings and fear - caused chiefly by the determination of unscrupulous politicians and extremists to maintain their grip on power and the limited wealth available in one of the world's poorest countries.
The UN Secretary-General's appeal for a rapid reaction force was ignored for over a year by the international community - particularly the wealthy Western nations, who could fund such a force. Even the minimum request for 35 human rights monitors only resulted in five being deployed, after a year's delay due to a lack of funds. Given this track record, it would seem that the most obvious conclusion one can draw - the reassurances of Minister of State Joan Burton (August 23rd) notwithstanding - is that the EU and the Irish Presidency believe talk alone will solve Burundi's problems.
Burundi needs firm action immediately. Its regional neighbours have shown the way by implementing strict sanctions to isolate the regime of Pierre Buyoya. This action should be vigorously supported by the international community. The EU should stop waffling and either commit itself to clear, firm action, or shut up. - Yours, etc.,
Proudstown, Tara, Co Meath.