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Annan asks donors to help rebuild Sierra Leone's security sector

Annan asks donors to help rebuild Sierra Leone's security sector

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As the United Nations peacekeeping mission reduces its forces in post-conflict Sierra Leone, the West African country urgently needs aid from the international donor community in providing its security sector with needed equipment and must promote harmony between its police and troops, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan says.

The Sierra Leonean National Security Council Coordinating Group should "join the United Nations in appealing to Member States to provide urgently the much-needed assistance" for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), he says in his most recent report to the Security Council on the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).

Since long-lasting peace and stability cannot be guaranteed without collaboration between the security forces, he calls on the Government to implement its earlier action plan to address major security sector gaps and solve the problem of harmonizing relations "through the continued sensitization of their personnel and through disciplinary measures."

Mr. Annan commends the leadership of the two security agencies for deciding to investigate recent incidents and prevent their recurrence.

On socio-economic matters, he notes public sector strikes over the late payment of salaries even as the prices of basic commodities rise and the rainy season approaches.

"The high poverty level combined with widespread unemployment and the marginalization of certain segments of society, in particular young people, could affect stability in the country," Mr. Annan says.

With the restoration of Government control over diamond mining, official exports have been valued at $50 million this year, compared with $29 million in the same period last year, he says, and the Government expects an increase in licensed diamond mining throughout the country.

The report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is scheduled for release in September 2004, while the Special Court, established through an agreement with the United Nations, has secured funds until the end of this year and is finalizing its 2005 budget, he says.

Meanwhile, the Court's Registrar "has started negotiations with several countries on the possibility of entering into bilateral agreements on the enforcement of sentences and the relocation of witnesses," he says.