§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will propose that the mandate for the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) be expanded to cover Liberia and Guinea; and, if so, whether the force would be reinforced and used wherever the most urgent need might be. [HL3706]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThere are no plans to move UNAMSI L. Its role is to maintain peace and security in Sierra Leone until Sierra Leonean armed forces and police are able to do so. Its mandate is specific to Sierra Leone and its personnel are there because they are needed. Any force for Liberia or any other part of the sub-region would require its own specific mandate.
100WAAn external stabilisation force of some kind may well be necessary in Liberia to ensure a cease fire, and for the political process to move forward. We, and others in the international community, are considering options for such a force.