DATE=7/5/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-SIERRA LEONE DIAMONDS (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-264121
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council tonight
(Wednesday) approved a resolution which imposes an
embargo on diamond exports from Sierra Leone. VOA
Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United
Nations.
TEXT: The resolution bans the export of all diamonds
from Sierra Leone until that west African nation is
able to establish a certification process. The rebel
United Revolutionary Front group controls most of the
diamond-mining areas in Sierra Leone and diamond sales
are believed to be the major source of financing arms
for the rebels.
Britain sponsored the diamond embargo resolution and
British ambassador Jeremy Greenstock said it is
necessary because something that should be a source of
national wealth has been turned into a source of
national suffering.
Sierra Leone's ambassador Ibrahim Kamara told the
Council the resolution finally deals with the root of
the conflict in Sierra Leone.
///Kamara act///
We have always maintained that the conflict in
Sierra Leone is not about ideology, tribal or
regional differences. It has nothing to do with
the problem of so-called marginalized youth or,
as some political commentators have
characterized it as an uprising by rural poor
against an urban elite. The root of the conflict
is and remains diamonds, diamonds and diamonds.
///end act///
The resolution was adopted by a vote of 14 in favor
with Mali abstaining. Mali is concerned that the
resolution specifically mentions Liberia as a nation
in which diamonds from Sierra Leone transit. Mali
argued by mentioning Liberia by name, the resolution
could jeopardize future cooperation from Charles
Taylor, Liberia's President. President Taylor has been
instrumental in convincing the Revolutionary United
Front to release U-N peacekeepers that had been taken
hostage in Sierra Leone.
There was also some controversy about the fact that
the resolution contains an 18-month time limit. The
United States said the time limit weakens the
resolution but others argued the time limit is
reasonable and that the diamond embargo could be
extended beyond 18-months if conditions warrant.
///Rest opt///
The diamond embargo resolution is the first of three
Security Council actions on Sierra Leone expected this
month. Later, the Council is expected to increase the
size of the U-N peacekeeping force and establish a
procedure for prosecuting those accused of human
rights violations in Sierra Leone.(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/PT
05-Jul-2000 19:59 PM EDT (05-Jul-2000 2359 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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