Friday, September 1, 2000
Sierra Leone President visits UN peacekeepers in Port Loko area
1 September -- Sierra Leonean President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah has visited United Nations peacekeepers deployed in the western town of Port Loko, marking the first time he has travelled to the area since taking office in 1996, according to the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).
Following his visit yesterday with the UN troops, President Kabbah travelled to the town of Bumbuna, where he addressed the civilian population and soldiers from the Sierra Leone Army. In both towns, the leader urged the people to forgive former combatants from the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) "if they show remorse," UNAMSIL said.
President Kabbah's trip to Bumbuna was also marked by the arrival of a UN helicopter carrying relief supplies for internally displaced persons in that area.
In other news, talks are continuing on the release of the remaining six British and one Sierra Leonean soldier still detained by the "West Side Boys" rebels. "All hostages are reported to be safe," a UN spokesman told reporters in New York. "The UN Mission stands ready to provide any necessary security and logistical assistance."
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