Full government statement The attention of Rwanda Government has been drawn to the fact that the French Magistarate Jean Louis Bruguière is about to issue indictments against senior Rwandan government military officers under the allegations that they shot down former President Habyarimanas plane leading to the death of 3 French citizens. Government would like to make it categorically clear that there is no basis whatsoever to these allegations. It appears to government that this is an attempt to intimidate Rwanda using strong arm tactics and to use the superpower position to hide the truth of Frances involvement in the Genocide. It also is an unfortunate attempt to pre-empt the findings of a Commission set up in Rwanda to investigate the role of France in the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. This is not the first time that some in French official circles have designed a plan to hide their known responsibility in the genocide of 1994. Under the guise of judicial independence, Magistrate Bruguière working together with other French organs of the state have organized genocide denials and revisionists and have provided them a platform for their political agenda and propaganda. It is well known that France actively supported the Genocide and armed and fought along side the forces that committed genocide in Rwanda. When they faced imminent defeat she intervened through Operation Turquoise to save them from total defeat and to preserve them so they can fight another day. There are strong indications that some in the French official circles were involved in the military and political reorganization of these genocidal forces. Rwanda is owed an explanation as to what the French citizens who perished in Habyarimanas plane were doing in Rwanda in company of the planners and authors of the Genocide, given the fact these were French military officers on a mission to Rwanda during the planning and execution phase of the Genocide. Government believes that Frances role needs to be fully investigated and fully exposed. This is why it set up the commission to investigate the role of France in these events. The work of this Commission is expected to clarify the role of individuals in the French establishment played, and whether their activities are criminally indictable. Understandably, such a prospect has made many in certain French circles extremely worried. Judge Bruguières reported attempt to indict the Rwandan officials is aimed at diverting international opinion from the emerging clarity about therole of France. Moreover it is unprecedented in the history of judicial proceedings for investigation, indictment and all processes to be carried out and concluded outside of the country where the crime is alleged to have been committed. It is absurd that a foreign judge could issue an indictment against officials of a sovereign state for crimes committed on the soil of that sovereign state without going through either diplomatic channels or judicial institutions of that sovereign state. This political game and drama in judicial matters is a dangerous path and is inimical to international law and order. Those involved are advised to desist from it. Done in Kigali, Rwanda November 21, 2006. Posted on the web by
Sharangabo Rufagari --------------------------------- The best gets better. See why everyone is raving about the All-new Yahoo! Mail.
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