Security Council Voices "Deep Regret" at Killing of UN Peacekeepers in Sierra LeoneThe UN Security Council Wednesday voiced its "deep regret" at the killing of UN peacekeepers in Sierra Leone while reiterating condemnation of " the hostile and destructive actions" against the UN Mission in the West African country.In a statement read to the press in the United Nations, the president of the Security Council, Wang Yingfan of China, said, "Members of the Council expressed deep regret at the loss of lives and expressed condolences to the bereaved families." "They reiterated their condemnation of the hostile and destructive actions of the RUF (the rebel Revolutionary United Front) against UNAMSIL (the UN Mission in Sierra Leone) and other international personnel," the statement said. "They demanded that the RUF release all detainees and cease immediately its hostile acts." "They reiterated their call on (RUF leader) Foday Sankoh to fulfill his obligations under the Lome Agreement," signed by warring parties in July last year. Members of the Council noted the international efforts underway, including the initiative by Mali and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the statement said. "They reiterated their full support for UNAMSIL, in particular Force Commander General Jetley for his judgment and management of the situation under very dangerous and difficult circumstances," the statement said. "Members of the Council also expressed full support for the statement made by the Secretary-General today, in particular his view that all those responsible for the unacceptable and criminal behavior against UN and other international personnel must be held accountable for their actions," the statement said. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in a statement issued in the United Nations Wednesday by his spokesman, expressed his outrage at "the continuing deliberate attacks" on UN peacekeepers in Sierra Leone. The two UN statements came after seven UN peacekeepers were killed and some 50 captured in Sierra Leone, which has created blocks for the fragile peace process in the West African country. |
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