DATE=9/7/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SIERRA LEONE / BRITAIN (L-O)
NUMBER=2-266220
BYLINE=LUIS RAMIREZ
DATELINE=ABIDJAN
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: British paratroopers have arrived in Sierra
Leone amid continuing efforts for the release of six
British troops held by renegade militiamen.
Correspondent Luis Ramirez reports from our West
Africa bureau.
TEXT: A British military spokesman confirms the team
of paratroopers has arrived Sierra Leone. But he
describes their deployment as a precautionary measure.
Their arrival in the West African country comes as
talks continue in an effort to win the release of six
British soldiers captured by renegade militiamen
August 25th.
Reports earlier this week said Britain had sent about
150-paratroopers to nearby Senegal. British defense
officials have refused to say whether the deployment
is linked to possible plans for a rescue mission.
A total of 11 British troops were captured originally,
but the militiamen released five of them August 30th.
The captured soldiers are part of a group of more than
200-troops in Sierra Leone to help train the Sierra
Leonean army in its fight with the rebels.
The militiamen holding the soldiers are part of a
group known as the West Side Boys.
Sources close the negotiations say they are demanding
that Britain provide security guarantees before they
release the remaining captives. (SIGNED)
NEB/LR/GE/RAE
07-Sep-2000 08:57 AM EDT (07-Sep-2000 1257 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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