New peacekeeping force expected soon

The arrival and deployment of the 6,000-strong UN peacekeeping force is due to begin next week, UNAMSIL said on Tuesday. Reconnaissance and logistical teams from Indian and Kenyan battalions are due in the capital, Freetown, in a few days. They will, with the government, ECOMOG and UNAMSIL, finalise plans for the arrival of the troops. UNAMSIL said planning for the assimilation of four ECOMOG battalions into the UN force - three Nigerian, one Ghanaian and a Guinean company - is also underway. The UN force has been mandated by the Security Council to cooperate with the government in the implementation of the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration plan; ensure the security and freedom of movement of UN personnel, the delivery of humanitarian aid and protect civilians under threat of violence. UNAMSIL said it will perform its role in cooperation with ECOMOG, which will retain responsibility for the security of Sierra Leone.