Security Council reviews steps to facilitate cross-border operations in West Africa

Weighing Secretary-General Kofi Annan's recommendations to reduce conflict in West Africa, the United Nations Security Council today said it would consider facilitating cross-border operations and strengthening cooperation among the UN peacekeeping missions in the region.

The measures would include "the possibility of 'hot pursuit' operations, joint air patrolling, shared border responsibility, the establishment of a sub-regional reserve force, the possible reinforcement of airspace monitoring and joint planning for the repatriation of foreign combatants," Pierre-Andre Wiltzer, Minister for Cooperation and La Francophonie of France, which holds the rotating Council presidency, said in a statement adopted at the conclusion of a debate on the issue.

The 15-member Council will review further recommendations from Mr. Annan after he has consulted with the governments involved and, meanwhile, encouraged States in the region to organize joint patrols along common borders, according to the statement.

These countries were also urged to ensure that arms embargoes are fully implemented, Mr. Wiltzer said, voicing the Council's intention "to continue to consider whether any further restrictive measures are necessary to stop the illicit flows of arms to conflict zones."

Recognizing the need to address both the supply and demand side of the weapons equation, the Council invited governments to take steps in response to private companies selling "illegal arms or security services."

The Council also invited the Secretary-General and the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) to improve the coordination of UN and ECOWAS activities in West Africa, Mr. Wiltzer said.

ECOWAS was encouraged to "name and shame" those in the region who engage in the black-market arms trade or use mercenaries and child soldiers.

Video of Council meeting [3hrs 10mins]