IN APPEAL TO REGIONAL LEADERS, SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR RETURN TO NORMALCY, RESUMPTION OF PEACE PROCESS IN SIERRA LEONE

Press Release
SG/SM/7381
AFR/224

IN APPEAL TO REGIONAL LEADERS, SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR RETURN TO NORMALCY, RESUMPTION OF PEACE PROCESS IN SIERRA LEONE

The following statement was issued this afternoon by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is extremely concerned about the rapidly deteriorating situation in Sierra Leone, in particular the reports of continuing military movements by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and shooting in Freetown. He calls upon all parties to do their utmost to defuse the situation. He once again urges the RUF and its leader, Foday Sankoh, to cease immediately any hostile action.

The Secretary-General has appealed to the leaders of the region to redouble their efforts to bring the situation under control and restore normalcy. He also calls on the Governments of neighbouring States to do everything possible to prevent the reported movement of rebels from the territory of their countries to Sierra Leone.

In the circumstances, the Secretary-General continues to stress that, in addition to United Nations efforts, a rapid reaction force may be needed in Sierra Leone as soon as possible to assist in restoring conditions conducive to the resumption of the peace process.

* *** *