Annan concerned over effect of Guinea/Liberia tension on Sierra Leone
11 September -- Expressing concern about reports of tensions along the border between Guinea and Liberia, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to prevent any deterioration of the situation, which could have an "adverse effect" on Sierra Leone.
The call came this morning during Mr. Annan's address to the first ever coordination meeting between the United Nations, ECOWAS and the Government of Sierra Leone.
The mounting border tensions also prompted the Secretary-General to urge the Presidents of Guinea and Liberia to refrain from any action that might aggravate the situation to support the mediation efforts of President Alpha Oumar Konaré of Mali, the current Chairman of ECOWAS, according to a. statement issued later in the day by Mr. Annan's spokesman.
Turning to Sierra Leone in his address to the coordination meeting this morning, the Secretary-General expressed his relief over the release of the six British military personnel and one Sierra Leone army officer. "At the same time, we must all deeply regret the loss of life involved," he said. "Let us resolve to work even harder to prevent such incidents from recurring."
Referring to the draft resolution being considered by the Security Council that would expand the force level of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to up to 20,500, Mr. Annan said he hoped the expected action on the text by 20 September would give a new impetus to the search for a solution to the conflict.
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