Military

DATE=11/14/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N / SIERRA LEONE (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-269220

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The United Nations Security Council has welcomed the recent cease-fire agreement in Sierra Leone, but the Council president said there are questions about whether the deal will hold. V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: The Council reviewed details of Friday's cease-fire between the government of Sierra Leone and the rebel Revolutionary United Front. In a formal statement, the Council said the deal is a "first step toward the resumption of the peace process in Sierra Leone."

But the cease-fire is subject to re-negotiation next month. Council President Peter Van Walsum of the Netherlands told reporters that Council members are cautious about whether the cease-fire will have a longer-term effect.

/// VAN WALSUM ACT ///

At this time, of course, we hope that this (cease-fire) is going to be an effective first step in the right direction. But we have, or I believe I can safely say that, given the history of Sierra Leone, there was guarded optimism.

/// END ACT ///

U-N peacekeeping forces will be deployed to rebel areas of Sierra Leone, including the diamond mining regions, only if it becomes clear that a cease-fire agreement is actually working.

U-N officials say rebel control of the diamond mines has been one of the main obstacles to a resumption of the peace process in Sierra Leone. (Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/LSF/JWH