§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the political climate in Sierra Leone. [186751]
§ Mr. MullinThe UK continues to make a significant political, military and financial investment in Sierra Leone to tackle the root causes of the conflict and to ensure sustainable peace.
Sierra Leone has now enjoyed over two years of peace under a democratically elected government. In May, the first local elections for 32 years took place. In the same month, the Special Court for Sierra Leone started its first trials to bring to justice those who bear the greatest responsibility for war crimes and atrocities committed during the conflict.
Following extensive security sector reforms, UN peacekeepers expect to withdraw by the end of 2005.