SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS MANDATE OF SIERRA LEONE MISSION UNTIL 20 SEPTEMBER

Press Release
SC/6918

SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS MANDATE OF SIERRA LEONE MISSION UNTIL 20 SEPTEMBER

The Security Council this morning extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) until 20 September by unanimously adopting resolution 1317 (2000).

The Security Council originally established UNAMSIL on 22 October 1999 to cooperate with the Government of Sierra Leone and the other parties in implementing the Lomé Peace Agreement and to assist in the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration plan. Its mandate was revised on 7 February, and the size of the Mission was expanded. Its size was again increased on 19 May.

The meeting commenced at 11:59 a.m. and was adjourned at 12:03 p.m.

Resolution

The complete text of resolution 1317 (2000) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolutions 1270 (1999) of 22 October 1999, 1289 (2000) of 7 February 2000 and 1313 (2000) of 4 August 2000 and all other relevant resolutions and the statement of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone,

“1. Decides to extend the present mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone until 20 September 2000;

“2. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”

Secretary-General’s Report

When the Security Council met this morning it had before it the Secretary- General's sixth report on the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (document S/2000/831) in which he recommends an extension of the Mission's mandate for six months.

To enable UNAMSIL to enhance its operational structure and overall effectiveness, and to deploy progressively in strength to key areas, the Secretary-General also recommends that the Council authorize an increase in its

Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6918 4193rd Meeting (AM) 5 September 2000

strength to a level of 20,500 military personnel, including 260 military observers.

The Secretary-General urges the Government of Sierra Leone, with the assistance of donor countries, to develop and implement its plans for the extension of its authority throughout the country and to consolidate its administration as soon as possible. Of particular importance is the development of Sierra Leone's capacity to ensure its own security.

According to the report, the support that the United States has recently indicated it would provide to troops from West African countries earmarked to serve with UNAMSIL is a particularly welcome step.

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