PRESS STATEMENT ON SIERRA LEONE BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

Following is the text of today’s press statement on Sierra Leone by the President of the Security Council, Ole Peter Kolby (Norway):

Members of the Council were briefed by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Oluyemi Adeniji.  They welcomed the Secretary-General’s 13^th report on the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and welcomed the progress made in the peace process.

Members were concerned about the fragile situation in the Mano River Union, and were looking forward to the follow-up to the results of the recent summit meeting between the Mano River Presidents.

They welcomed the completion of the disarmament process, called for adequate resources for the reintegration programme, and reiterated the importance of effective extension of State authority.

Members welcomed the progress in the preparations for the elections.  They expressed their intention to extend UNAMSIL’s mandate by six months, and called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to secure the voluntary return of refugees to Sierra Leone.

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