Security Council panel on Liberia sanctions drops 3 from list prohibiting travel

A United Nations Security Council panel on Liberia has revised its list of individuals subject to travel restrictions, as called for by international sanctions against the west African country.

Last week, the Council committee set up to monitor the implementation of the sanctions removed Ernest Eastman, Lawrence Morgan and Robert B. Woodson from its roster of senior officials and their relatives who are banned from travelling.

The move still leaves about 120 people affected by the prohibition.

These latest sanctions against Liberia were imposed by the Security Council in March 2001 by resolution 1343 in response to concerns about the reported transit of illicit diamonds – which were being traded to fuel the conflict in Sierra Leone – through Liberia.

The Council determined that Liberia’s support for the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in Sierra Leone constituted a threat to international peace and security, and called on Monrovia to expel RUF members from its territory and withdraw its support for the rebel group.

Under the sanctions, all States must prevent the sale or supply to Liberia of arms and related materiel of all types. Countries are also banned from importing any rough diamonds from Liberia, while members of its government officials and their spouses are under the travel ban, with exemptions only for humanitarian reasons.