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Annan pays tribute to former envoy to Sierra Leone

Annan pays tribute to former envoy to Sierra Leone

Secretary-General Kofi Annan today paid tribute to his former Special Representative for Sierra Leone, and once again reiterated the United Nations commitment to solidifying peace in that country.

A statement issued by a spokesman for the Secretary-General said Mr. Annan was "very pleased" to receive news about the appointment of Oluyemi Adeniji as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria.

Until his appointment, Mr. Adeniji had served since December 1999 as Mr. Annan's Special Representative and the chief of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). Under Mr. Adeniji's stewardship, the Mission recovered from the crisis of May 2000, supported a massive disarmament exercise, as well as national elections, and facilitated the restoration of the Government's authority throughout the territory of Sierra Leone.

"The Secretary-General congratulates Mr. Adeniji wholeheartedly on his important new functions and wishes to thank him for the effective leadership" he provided to the Mission, the statement said.

"As Mr. Adeniji departs, UNAMSIL, as well as the whole UN family, will continue to assist the people of Sierra Leone to consolidate peace in their country," the statement added.

Pending the appointment of Mr. Adeniji's successor, the Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative, Alan Doss, will serve as Officer-in-Charge of UNAMSIL.