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Annan Confirms Jordanian Withdrawal from U.N. Force in Sierra Leone
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Wednesday confirmed the Jordanian intention to withdraw its 1,800-strong contingent from the U.N. peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone, which already faces the loss of its 3,200-member Indian unit.
Annan made the confirmation in response to a question at a press conference here, saying that Jordan had hoped that more developed countries could have joined them on the ground in the peacekeeping operation.
Annan said that Jordan's decision raises "a very serious question."
"Can the (Security) Council adopt resolutions that require us to deploy troops and those in the council do nothing, particularly those major-league countries with large forces?" he asked. "Is the question posed by Jordan going to be posed in future operations?"
Annan said it will take time to replace the outgoing troops in Sierra Leone and added that their flexibility in the withdrawal time frame will be sought.
The U.N. chief said that he expects to appoint a new force commander in the next few days who will be able to lead the men in the field and mold them into a cohesive and active force.
The Jordanian move leaves U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan scrambling to fill a big gap in the U.N. Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), which is already somewhat below its authorized strength of 13,000.
Jordan recently informed the United Nations that it wants to pull out its UNAMSIL contingent by the end of the year, the U.N. source said. But Annan is seeking the cooperation of both Jordan and India in meshing their withdrawals with the arrival of fresh troops that he is trying to enlist.
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