Security Council Renews U.N. Mission in Sierra LeoneThe U.N. Security Council Tuesday voted unanimously to extend the mandate of the U.N. Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) for a period of six months until the end of March next year.In a resolution unanimously adopted by 15 council members, the council welcomed the progress in the peace process aimed at achieving sustainable peace and security in Sierra Leone. The council also commended UNAMSIL for its positive role in advancing the peace process in the war-torn West African country, the resolution said. The council stressed the importance of the extension of State authority throughout the entire country, where rebels have held diamond mines, the beginning of the political dialogue and national reconciliation, the resolution said. The council encouraged the Sierra Leonean Government and the rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF) to continue to take steps towards furthering dialogue and national reconciliation, and underlined the importance of the reintegration of the RUF into Sierra Leone society and the transformation of the RUF into a political party, said the resolution. The council "demands that the RUF cease any ongoing effort aimed at maintaining options for military action," the resolution said. Meanwhile, the council also emphasized the importance of "free, fair and transparent and inclusive elections for the long-term stability of Sierra Leone," said the resolution. The 15-nation set up UNAMSIL in October 1999 to cooperate with the Sierra Leonean Government and the other parties in implementing the Lome Peace Agreement and to assist in the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration plan. On February 7, 2000, the council revised UNAMSIL's mandate. It also expanded its size, as it did once again on May 19, 2000 and on March 30, 2001. |
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