§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Sierra Leone Contact Group meeting on 27 and 28 July. [95300]
§ Mr. HainThe third Sierra Leone Contact Group meeting on 28 July continued Britain's leading role in encouraging international support for the people of Sierra Leone. Participants welcomed the signature of the Lome Peace Agreement, and committed themselves to work towards lasting peace in Sierra Leone. Following a presentation by President Kabbah, the meeting agreed priorities for the future, and an action plan for the Government of Sierra Leone, the rebels and the international community. Welcome progress has since been made on a number of the priorities identified.
At the meeting, Britain announced further help for building lasting peace and democracy in Sierra Leone.
Copies of the Contact Group Concluding Statement are being placed in the House of Commons Library; it is also available on the FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk).