§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations have been made to him by the United Nations requesting troops for the Sierra Leone peacekeeping operation. [112326]
§ Mr. HainWe strongly support the UN's efforts in Sierra Leone to create a climate of confidence for the implementation of the Lome Peace Agreement.
277WWe were asked by the UN to provide military observers and logistical support to the UN peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone, UNAMSIL. We currently deploy 15 military observers to the force Observer Group, including the Group's Chief of Staff, and an eight-man movement control detachment to assist the rapid deployment of troop contingents in-country. We have also offered the UN assistance with airlift of troops and/or equipment.
§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the second report of the Secretary-General, pursuant to Security Council resolution 12780 (1999) on the United Nations missions in Sierra Leone, in particular the report's assessment of the United Nations' ability to maintain a major military presence in Sierra Leone. [112325]
§ Mr. HainWe agree with the Secretary-General's assessment that the establishment and maintenance of security in Sierra Leone is essential to the success of the Lome Peace Agreement. We therefore supported his recommendation that the UN peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone, UNAMSIL, be substantially expanded to take on some of the security tasks formerly carried out by the departing Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS)' peacekeeping force, ECOMOG. We strongly backed UN Security Council Resolution 1289 of 7 February which authorised the deployment of up to 11,100 troops and observers.
We also agree with the Secretary-General that the UN, already under considerable resource pressure, will not be able to maintain a major military presence in Sierra Leone for a prolonged period; and that the responsibility for the success of the peace process ultimately lies with the people and leaders of Sierra Leone.
In order to help Sierra Leone to take responsibility for its own security, we are working closely with the Government of Sierra Leone to help rebuild new, democratically accountable Sierra Leone armed forces, and a new police force.
§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the situation in Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [111982]
§ Mr. HainI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Mr. Shaw) on 15 February 2000,Official Report, column 762.