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Ambassador A. Peter Burleigh Chargé d'affaires, a.i. of the United States Mission to the United Nations Statement in the Security Council in Explanation of Vote on the Situation in Sierra Leone August 20, 1999 |
USUN PRESS RELEASE # 52-(99)
August 20, 1999
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Statement of Ambassador A. Peter Burleigh, Charge d'affaires a.i. of the United States Mission to the United Nations, in Explanation of Vote on the Situation in Sierra Leone [Resolution 1260], in the Security Council, August 20, 1999
Mr. President,
For the first time in more than eight years, the people of Sierra Leone have an opportunity to enjoy the prospects of peace. After years of hardship, deprivation, dislocation and threats to their safety, the Sierra Leonean people can begin to focus on rebuilding their lives, and their country. The Security Council, the United Nations, and the international community must help them in this process. The peace that was established in Lome, Togo, on July 7, is a fragile one. The early August hostage-taking incident in the Occra Hills region east of Freetown serves to remind us of the tenuous nature of the agreement signed by Sierra Leone President Kabbah and Revolutionary United Front leader, Foday Sankoh. Yet despite the uncertainties which lie ahead, the Lome Agreement symbolizes the hope that Sierra Leone finally has embarked on the path toward national reconciliation and reconstruction.
Mr. President,
The United States congratulates the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front for having had the courage to begin the difficult process aimed at ending this great national tragedy. The United States commends the governments of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their determined efforts to maintain security in Sierra Leone and to seek peace. We particularly acknowledge the enormous sacrifices made by Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea and Mali, whose brave soldiers fought for peace and democracy in Sierra Leone. We congratulate President Eyadema of Togo for his instrumental role in bringing the antagonists together, and we commend the important contribution made by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Sierra Leone, Francis Okelo, and all the men and women of the UN Observer Mission (UNOMSIL) who worked tirelessly, under difficult circumstances, to promote the cause of peace.
Mr. President,
The United States remains steadfast in its support for the Lome agreement. My government stands ready to assist in its implementation. The United States has been a leading provider of emergency humanitarian and refugee assistance to Sierra Leone. We are prepared to consider additional help as required. The United States also remains committed to supporting the efforts of the Military Observer Group of ECOWAS states (ECOMOG) in implementing the Lome peace agreement.
The objective of the United States is to promote a regional peace that will end the conflict, relieve the suffering of the Sierra Leonean people, and foster peace and national reconciliation. While we fully support the Lome agreement, we are concerned, as is the Secretary-General, by the agreement’s provisions for amnesty. We are eager to see the early establishment of a credible Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as called for by the agreement. We also remain open to the possible establishment of an objective international fact-finding mission to document evidence of atrocities and provide information to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a basis for its work.
Mr. President,
The United States remains committed to the pursuit of accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law, wherever they occur. At the same time, we recognize the need to allow the Lome Agreement to bear fruit. The successful implementation of the peace agreement is essential to the establishment of peace, political order and stability in Sierra Leone. The best guarantee for an end to the immense suffering of the people of Sierra Leone and a beginning of reconciliation is for this agreement to succeed.
Mr. President,
The United States supports the deployment of additional UN military observers, medical personnel and other support staff to help implement the Lome Peace Agreement in Sierra Leone as called for in the resolution now before us.
Thank you very much.
