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In Sierra Leone, Security Council team pledges support for robust UN operation
12 October -- The Security Council delegation visiting Sierra Leone and its neighbours in a bid to promote stability in the region said today it would return to New York with a "renewed, two-fold commitment" to the Sierra Leonean people in rebuilding their future, and to United Nations peacekeeping.

Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock, who is leading the 11-member Security Council delegation as it tours West Africa, told reporters in Freetown that the team had been impressed by the peacekeeping and peace-building work carried out by the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).

"The Security Council has some important decisions coming up on the future shape, mandate and structure of UNAMSIL, and our determination to make this operation as effective, capable and robust as possible has been reinforced by this visit," Ambassador Greenstock said, noting that the Mission had been through a "traumatic period of pressures and challenges this year."

The complex problems facing Sierra Leone, which Security Council members witnessed firsthand over the course of their 72-hour visit to the country, could only be addressed through a comprehensive strategy supported by long-term international assistance, Ambassador Greenstock stressed.

"We would like to see Sierra Leoneans, under their Government, increasingly taking the lead in stabilizing and regenerating their country," he stated, adding that outside support should "galvanize" leadership towards this end.

Regarding the special war crimes court for Sierra Leone, which is currently under discussion in the Council, Ambassador Greenstock said "only those bearing the greatest responsibility for the crimes perpetrated should be indicted." He expressed confidence that the special court's justice "can work hand in hand with the reconciliation process."

Ambassador Greenstock also emphasized that the situation in Sierra Leone was a regional crisis "both in terms of its causes and effects, but also in terms of its solutions."

In exploring ways to promote regional security, the Council members will continue their five-nation tour of West Africa with a stop in Conakry, Guinea, where they are scheduled to meet President Lansana Conteh. After that, they are expected to fly to Bamako, Mali, to meet with President Oumar Alpha Conaré, the head of the Economic Community of West African States.