DATE=7/27/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SIERRA LEONE-WAR CRIMES (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-264857
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States has introduced a U-N
Security Council resolution that would establish a
special court that could try a top rebel leader in
Sierra Leone for war crimes. VOA Correspondent Breck
Ardery reports from the United Nations.
TEXT: American U-N ambassador Richard Holbrooke told
reporters the resolution will create a system to try
Foday Sankoh and other members of his Revolutionary
United Front who are accused of war crimes in Sierra
Leone. But Mr. Holbrooke says the resolution does not
call for the formation of a new war crimes tribunal.
///HOLBROOKE ACT///
It will create a special court that will be
something of a hybrid. It will not be a third
war crimes tribunal like the ones we have in
Rwanda and the formal Yugoslavia because those
are expensive and time consuming.
///END ACT///
However, Mr. Holbrooke says the appeals process will
be handled by the existing war crimes appeals court
for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. The U-S
ambassador says the trial court (for Sierra Leone)
will be composed of both international representatives
and citizens of Sierra Leone and that the idea has the
full support of the Sierra Leone government.
Mr. Holbrooke says the mixed composition of the court
will give it credibility.
///HOLBROOKE ACT///
It is very important that Foday Sankoh and his
henchmen who have committed war crimes be
brought to justice. The mixed Sierra Leone and
international character of this court will
strengthen the ability of the government of
Sierra Leone by enhancing it with international
backing for achieving this goal.
///END ACT///
Mr. Holbrooke says the location of the trials could be
either in Sierra Leone's capital of Freetown or in
another nation in the region. He says the U-N Security
Council will likely approve the creation of the court
next week. (SIGNED)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF
27-Jul-2000 13:14 PM EDT (27-Jul-2000 1714 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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