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NEWS RELEASES

April 25, 2001 (9:30 a.m. EDT) No. 50

JOHN MANLEY RE-APPOINTS SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SIERRA LEONE

John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced today the re-appointment of David Pratt, Member of Parliament for Nepean-Carleton, as Special Envoy for Sierra Leone.

Mr. Pratt's mandate is to engage in consultations with the various parties attempting to restore peace and stability in Sierra Leone, with a view to identifying possible contributions to this process by Canada. Mr. Pratt will also assist in preparing the discussion of the Sierra Leone crisis at the October 2001 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Brisbane, Australia.

Mr. Pratt had previously been tasked with the role of Special Envoy in March 1999. The report he issued, Sierra Leone: The Forgotten Crisis, has proven essential in shaping Canada's efforts toward restoring peace in Sierra Leone. Canada has since committed $19 million to support peacebuilding activities as a result of the Peace Agreement signed in Lomé, Togo, in July 1999.

However, peace has remained elusive. Canada remains seriously concerned about Sierra Leone. The conflict in that country remains unresolved and is now having a destabilizing effect within the sub-region. The humanitarian situation throughout the region has further deteriorated as a result.

The United Nations and countries in the region are currently engaged in efforts aimed at improving the security situation and addressing the needs of displaced populations and those affected by war. Canada remains committed to contributing to this process.

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