IN PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT, SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES SIERRA LEONE ELECTIONS, CALLS ON POLITICAL PARTIES TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY, ASSURE PEACE

Security Council

4539^th Meeting (Night)

IN PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT, SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES SIERRA LEONE ELECTIONS,

CALLS ON POLITICAL PARTIES TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY, ASSURE PEACE

The Security Council this evening welcomed the elections held in Sierra Leone on 14 May and congratulated the people of that country on the peaceful and orderly way in which the elections were held. 

In a statement read out by its President, Foreign Minister S. Jayakumar of Singapore, the Council also called on all political parties and their supporters to work together to strengthen democracy and thereby assure continuing peace.  The Council considered the elections an important milestone on the road to peace and security in Sierra Leone and the Mano River region. 

The next challenge for Sierra Leone and the international community, according to the statement, was the further consolidation of peace.  There was still much to do, including the extension of public services to make real the restoration of government authority throughout the country, the further enhancement of the operational effectiveness of the security sector, and the effective reintegration of all ex-combatants. 

The meeting began at 9:30 p.m. and adjourned at 9:34 p.m.

The full text of the statement to be issued as S/PRST/2002/14, is as follows:

"The Security Council welcomes the elections held in Sierra Leone on 14 May 2002.  It congratulates the people of Sierra Leone on the peaceful and orderly way in which the elections were held.  It commends the National Electoral Commission and all those responsible for the successful management of the elections, and commends UNAMSIL for their invaluable supporting role.  The Council notes that the various electoral observation groups were impressed by the Sierra Leonean people’s commitment to democracy and their determination to vote.  The Council calls on all political parties and their supporters to work together to strengthen democracy and thereby assure continuing peace.

"The Security Council considers the elections an important milestone on the road to peace and security in Sierra Leone and the Mano River region.  The next challenge for Sierra Leone and the international community is the further consolidation of peace.  There is much still to do, including the extension of public services to make real the restoration of government authority throughout the country, the further enhancement of the operational effectiveness of the security sector, and the effective reintegration of all ex-combatants.  A

sustained effort from the international community will be needed to achieve our shared objective of sustainable peace and security, which must be the basis for Sierra Leone’s economic regeneration and future development.  The Council urges all donors to contribute generously towards these ends, including by providing urgently needed funds to the Special Court and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"The Security Council will continue to pay close attention to developments in Sierra Leone and the Mano River region.  The Council requests the Secretary-General to monitor the situation there closely and to keep the Council informed of any significant developments."

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