Sierra Leone (Hansard, 13 March 1995)

§ Mr. Worthington
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what specific international initiatives are being taken to try to stabilise the internal security position in Sierra Leone.

§ Mr. Baldry
We are working to bring greater international attention to the conflict; in particular with the UN and Commonwealth. We are in close touch with EU and African partners. Last month the UN and commonwealth secretaries-general sent their special representatives to Sierra Leone to examine ways of bringing about a settlement.
379W

§ Mr. Worthington
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what timetable has been drawn up by the Government of Sierra Leone for the return of the country to democratic rule.

§ Mr. Baldry
The existing timetable of the Government of Sierra Leone provides for parliamentary elections before the end of 1995. Although the internal security situation may lead to some delay, we expect the Government to press ahead with the transition to civilian rule as rapidly as practicable.
380W

§ Mr. Worthington
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance the Government of Sierra Leone has sought from the international community to deal with its internal disorder.

§ Mr. Baldry
In response to requests from the Government of Sierra Leone, the UN and commonwealth secretaries-general have sent special representatives to Freetown to explore ways of bringing about a settlement. We have given our strong support to these initiatives.