GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE

Public Affairs Unit

Press Release, 14 January 1998

Government welcomes appointment of Mr. John Flynn as Special Representative of the United Kingdom to Sierra Leone and the convening by the UK of ad hoc meeting of donors in New York

The legitimate Government of Sierra Leone whole heartedly welcomes the British Foreign Secretary’s appointment of Mr. John Flynn as his Special Representative to Sierra Leone. Mr. Flyrm, who will be based in London, will work internationally with other key players in the region and at the United Nations to accelerate regional and international efforts to restore the democratically elected government of President Kabbah. The Government wishes to emphasise that Mr. flynn’s appointment is designed to support the role played by Mr. Peter Penfold who, as the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, played such an outstanding and significant role during the crisis.

As High Commissioner, Mr. Penfold will continue to represent the United Kingdom Government in Sierra Leone, and will continue to be the UK’s main line of communication with the legitimate government temporarily located in Conakry. Mr. Flyrm’s role would primarily involve engaging with other governments and organizations with "a close interest" in the Sierra Leone crisis.

His appointment is a further demonstration of Britain's determination to ensure an early restoration of the legitimate government. The Sierra Leone Government hopes that Mr. Flynn’s wealth of experience in conflict resolution in Africa, will be brought to bear on the Sierra Leone crisis. We also hope that his appointment will give renewed impetus, and once again ignite international action aimed at resolving the continuing crisis in Sierra Leone. We fully support the move.

The Government also welcomes the initiative of the United Kingdom to convene an ad hoc meeting on 15^th January 1998, for donors and others interested in Sierra Leone.

The following is the text of the letter of invitation by the United Kingdom Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sir John Weston, on 9^th.January 1998:

1. "Since the May 1997 coup in Sierra Leone, great efforts have been made in the region and the wider international community towards the restoration of the democratically elected government of President Kabbah. The signing of the Conakry Communiqué by ECOWAS Committee of Five and the junta in October, was a significant break through toward that end, and we believe that the international community has an important role to play in ensuring its successful implementation. In particular, the task of effective disarmament and demobilisation of the warring parties, under taken by ECOWAS, will need material and financial support.
2. The communiqué of the ECOWAS meeting in Abuja on 19 December underlined the renewed commitment of ECOWAS to reach the speedy implementation of the peace plan.

 

3. We therefore believe it would be a good moment for potential donors and others with a close interest in Sierra Leone to consider what more can be done by the international community to support ECOWAS’ efforts."

Finally, the Government of Sierra Leone wishes to acknowledge the role played by the United Kingdom Government in the international community’s efforts, and in particular its assistance in drafting United Nations sanctions resolution 1132. The additional facilities, support and hospitality made available to our President and delegations at the recent Conference on Sierra Leone held in London, and at the Commonwealth Conference held in Edinburgh, are appreciated.