HC Deb 28 February 2000 vol 345 cc132-3W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the South African Government concerning the visit to South Africa by the Sierra Leonean rebel leader, Foday Sankoh. [111965]

Mr. Hain

As soon as we were aware that the leader of the Revolutionary United Front, Foday Sankoh, was travelling in South Africa in breach of UNSCR 1171, we raised our concern with the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We requested that his visit visa be revoked. The South African Government responded quickly to ensure Foday Sankoh's prompt departure from South Africa. We understand he is currently in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

The UK also called for an urgent meeting of the UN Sanctions Committee on Sierra Leone to discuss the breach of sanctions. The Chairman of the Committee raised Foday Sankoh's visit in a letter to the UN Permanent Representative of South Africa and issued a press release reminding all member states of their obligations to implement UNSCR 1171.

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