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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 6

Written Answers. - Sierra Leone Conflict.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

23 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's view of the continuing violence in Sierra Leone; the steps, if any, which will be taken to end the violence and secure peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8932/99]

The Government and our EU partners are actively supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in Sierra Leone. We are also seeking to provide appropriate humanitarian assistance to the innocent civilian population who have fallen victim to the excesses of the current conflict with thousands of fatalities. We strongly condemn the atrocities, gratuitous mutilations and other human rights abuses which have taken place. We particularly deplore the abduction and exploitation of children by the rebel side and call for their immediate release and return to their families. These human rights concerns are being taken up by the Government and other members of the international community at the current session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva.

The Government welcomes the recent decision by the UN Security Council to extend the mandate of the UN Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL) for a further three months until 13 June. We also strongly support the ongoing efforts of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Francis G. Okelo, who is actively seeking to create the conditions necessary for the opening of a political dialogue between the Government of President Kabbah and the rebel side. At present, rebel forces hold much of the country outside Freetown which is controlled by the Government with the support of Nigerian-led ECOMOG forces.

President Eyadema of Togo, who is Chair of the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has offered to host talks between the Freetown authorities and Mr. Foday Sankoh, leader of the Revolutionary United Front. President Kabbah has publicly stated his Government's openness to peace talks and the possibility that he may grant a pardon to Mr. Sankoh when dealt with by the courts. Mr. Sankoh, who is being held in Freetown on charges arising from his involvement in a previous coup attempt, has been granted radio access to his field commanders to prepare for a possible dialogue. More recently, it has been reported that Sankoh has used this access to order his field commanders not to make a further attack on Freetown. There are also conflicting reports of an imminent rebel offensive. However, it is hoped that the recent and more constructive engagement between the conflicting parties will help prevent a return to all-out conflict. President-elect Obasanjo of Nigeria has confirmed that his Government will continue to play a leading role in the regionally deployed ECOMOG monitoring force in order to support ongoing peace efforts.

Along with our EU and UN partners, the Government will continue to support diplomatic efforts at a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sierra Leone. We will also continue to provide appropriate humanitarian relief to the vulnerable civilian population and seek to prevent any further interference in the conflict by outside interests.

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