Annan recommends extension of UNAMSIL’s mandate

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has recommended an extension of the UN operation in Sierra Leone, according to a report to the Security Council on the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). Achieving durable peace throughout the country remains the goal of the international community, Annan said in his report, issued on Monday. This, he said, would not be achieved solely by political means nor just through a purely military option. “The preferred collective approach, therefore, should be to concentrate efforts for a political solution based on a robust and credible international military presence,” Annan said. He recommended that UNAMSIL’s mandate, which expires on 7 August be extended by six months. He said he thought it would be necessary to further strengthen the UN force and would soon submit proposals to the Security Council. The report also draws attention to the continuing suffering of Sierra Leoneans from the ongoing fighting in many parts of the country and voices deep concern over reports of abductions, rape and sexual abuse, destruction and looting of civilian property, and forced recruitment of children. He said he fully supported efforts to hold accountable and prosecute those responsible for such crimes and called on all parties to end the culture of violence and violation of human rights.