Written Answers. - Sierra Leone Conflict.
Brian O'Shea
Question:
57
Mr. O'Shea
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the Government's view on the continuing violence in Sierra Leone; the steps which should be taken to end the violence and secure peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[12034/99]
Michael Ring
Question:
66
Mr. Ring
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the steps, if any, the General Affairs Council of the EU has taken to bring peace in Sierra Leone.
[12007/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 66 together.
The Government and our EU partners are supporting efforts aimed at securing an early ceasefire and at restoring peace and stability in Sierra Leone. We are also seeking to provide appropriate humanitarian assistance to the suffering civilian population. This action is being taken pursuant to the position adopted by the EU at the general affairs council on 25 January, when the council expressed its grave concern at events in Sierra Leone and reiterated support for the democratically elected government. In addition, we voiced our continuing concerns about the deplorable human rights violations perpetrated during the current conflict at the recent 55th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva. The decision of the UN Security Council to extend the mandate of the UN observer mission in Sierra Leone, UNOMSIL, until 13 June has been welcomed by the Government as consistent with our wish to see a continued UN presence in that country.
At present, hopes for a peaceful settlement lie in the joint efforts of Mr. Francis G. Okelo, special representative of the UN Secretary General, and President Eyadema of Togo who is chair of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. They are facilitating talks between the conflicting parties, including through a special preparatory meeting of rebel representatives convened in the Togolese capital, Lomé. Mr. Foday Sankoh, leader of the rebel Revolutionary United Front, has been allowed to travel to Lomé from Freetown where he had been held on charges arising from a previous rebel coup attempt.
A ceasefire proposal has been tabled by special representative Okelo. Efforts are being made to overcome the respective reservations of the conflicting parties about this proposal. While the rebel side initially expressed willingness to accept it, Freetown's continued efforts to forcefully retake rebel-held areas and valuable diamond mines have upset rebel negotiators. President Kabbah has also stipulated that the cease-fire proposal be ratified by traditional chiefs, the regional peace-keeping force, ECOMOG, and his cabinet. The Government will continue to support the ongoing work of the UN and ECOWAS facilitators to secure early agreement to a ceasefire. I would hope that the outstanding issues can be resolved in a manner which will lead to an early cessation of hostilities followed by direct negotiation.
Ireland was represented at the second meeting of the Sierra Leone contact group which took place at the UN in New York on 19 April. This was attended by representatives of 22 countries, the UN, ECOWAS, the European Commission and others. The meeting, in seeking to maintain momentum towards a peaceful settlement, recognised that the Abidjan Accord of 1996 remained a valid framework for a negotiated settlement and that it was time to end the cycle of violence in Sierra Leone through a fuller commitment by the parties to that agreement.
Along with our EU and UN partners, the Government will continue to support diplomatic efforts aimed at an early peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sierra Leone. We will also continue to provide appropriate humanitarian relief to the vulnerable civilian population and to seek improved humanitarian access. Pressure will be maintained on all parties to fully observe human rights and international humanitarian law.
