DATE=5/12/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SIERRA LEONE - U-N (L)
NUMBER=2-262264
BYLINE=LARRY FREUND
DATELINE=NEW YORK
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has
called for additional U-N peacekeeping troops to be
sent to Sierra Leone, perhaps exceeding the more than
11-thousand soldiers already mandated by the U-N
Security Council. Mr. Annan spoke late Thursday during
an emergency meeting of the Council on the situation
in Sierra Leone. More from VOA correspondent Larry
Freund in New York.
TEXT: Mr. Annan told the Security Council the United
Nations has to consolidate and reinforce its
peacekeeping troops in Sierra Leone. He said
additional troops are on their way for the U-N
peacekeeping operation, including units with battle
experience and with combat equipment, such as
artillery and helicopter gun-ships.
/// Annan actuality ///
I thank the troop contributing countries for making
these units and equipment available more rapidly, and
in greater numbers, than had been anticipated. In
fact, when all these troops have arrived the military
component of Unamsil is likely to exceed the maximum
authorized by the Council in Resolution 12-89. I hope
that, in the circumstances, the Council will be
willing to set a new and more generous limit.
/// end actuality ///
Mr. Annan said U-N logistics experts have arranged 120
to 150 flights into Freetown's airport. Britain says
it will continue to secure the airport while the U-N
force builds up over the next month.
In his remarks to the U-N Security Council, Secretary-
General Annan demanded the immediate and unconditional
release by the rebels in Sierra Leone of the several
hundred peacekeepers they are holding. Mr. Annan urged
the Security Council not to fail Sierra Leone, not to
fail Africa. This time, in this crisis, he said, let
us back words with deeds, and mandates with the
resources needed to make them work.
During the Security Council discussion, there were
calls for a more robust mandate for the U-N troops.
Mr. Annan said he is not necessarily opposed to a
clear enforcement role. But the British representative
Stewart Eldon said the mandate for the peacekeeping
force is sufficient for it to carry out its tasks and
warned against what he called an over-hasty approach.
U-S representative James Cunningham told the Security
Council the United States will assist the deployment
of additional peacekeeping troops in Sierra Leone.
/// Cunningham actuality ///
We intend to support the commitment West African
nations have made to send additional troops to Sierra
Leone and a U-S military team is in Nigeria to
determine what assistance may be needed.
/// end actuality ///
Mr. Cunningham said the United States will continue
its efforts to support and strengthen African regional
organizations and initiatives and their ongoing
efforts to insure peace and stability throughout the
region. (signed)
NEB/NY/LSF/PLM
12-May-2000 00:24 AM EDT (12-May-2000 0424 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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