Security Council approves 'modified' plan for UN troops in Sierra Leone
Recognizing the continuing fragile security situation in Africa's Mano River region, the Security Council today approved Secretary-General Kofi Annan's recommendation for a modified, four-stage reduction in military strength of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMISL), which would culminate in complete withdrawal by December 2004.
The resolution unanimously adopted today answers the Secretary-General's call for the Council's "quick response" to his recommendation to modify the current pace of UNAMSIL'S military drawdown - taking into account the evolving security situation, particularly the conflict in Liberia, and the need to further strengthen the capacity of the Sierra Leone police and armed forces to enable them to maintain security and stability independently.
Stressing that the gradual and carefully calibrated approach to the drawdown of UNAMSIL is "yielding the desired benefits," Mr. Annan lays out the four-stage, "modified status quo" withdrawal procedure in his latest report on Sierra Leone, released to the Council on 23 June.
He notes that much still needs to be done to strengthen the capacities of both the police and army, and to facilitate their effective presence in the areas being vacated by UNAMSIL. The modified plan approved by the Council today addresses concerns about a more speedy withdrawal "that neither the Sierra Leone police nor armed forces are expected to make such rapid progress as to have them assuming external and internal security responsibilities by mid-2004 without UNAMSIL support."
In addition, the Council decided to closely monitor the key benchmarks for drawdown, and requested that the Secretary-General report to it at the end of each of the four phases and at regular intervals to highlight progress and make any necessary recommendations regarding subsequent phases of withdrawal.
The 15-nation body also welcomed the Secretary-General's intention to submit additional recommendations in early 2004 regarding a residual UN presence in Sierra Leone.