NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION TOWARD RE-ESTABLISHING PEACE AND SECURITY IN SIERRA LEONE
January 27, 1999 (5:45 p.m. EST) No. 14
AXWORTHY ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION TOWARD
RE-ESTABLISHING PEACE AND SECURITY IN SIERRA LEONE
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced that in response to the latest crisis in Sierra Leone,
Canada will contribute $1 million in support of the efforts of West African peacekeepers to re-establish stability
there. The United Nations has identified an urgent need to assist forces of the Military Observer Group of the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOMOG) as they work to restore security in that country.
"Canada is deeply disturbed by the atrocities committed during this conflict, particularly the terror inflicted upon
children and civilians by the rebel groups," said Mr. Axworthy. "The situation in Sierra Leone illustrates the pressing
need for the UN and its member states to take practical steps in order to protect civilians in armed conflict and
curtail access to arms."
"In the wake of this new crisis in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, I am consulting with my colleague Diane
Marleau, Minister for International Co-operation and Minister responsible for La Francophonie, about how Canada
can best provide humanitarian assistance for those who have been victimized by this ongoing conflict," added Mr.
Axworthy.
Secure and effective channels for delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid in Sierra Leone are important
considerations. Equally important is the security of humanitarian workers, several of whom have already lost their
lives in the conflict. Because of the grave security situation, most humanitarian organizations have withdrawn
temporarily, as has the UN mission to Sierra Leone. The Canadian International Development Agency is in close
contact with international humanitarian agencies to determine how best to provide assistance.
Canada's contribution comes amid reports of renewed atrocities committed against innocent civilians by the rebel
Revolutionary United Front, and continuing efforts of the West African peacekeeping force ECOMOG to support the
elected government of President Kabbah. The UN has chosen ECOMOG as its peacekeeping partner in the
region, and has called upon member states to provide assistance to ECOMOG and the Government of Sierra
Leone.
The UN Security Council, of which Canada is currently a non-permanent member, has stated its support for the
democratically elected Government of Sierra Leone and has urged the international community to provide financial
support for ECOMOG, as well as to ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel.
"We are working closely with others to ensure that our assistance is effective and delivered as quickly as possible,"
said Mr. Axworthy. "We continue to support the democratically elected Government of Sierra Leone and call for an
immediate cessation of the fighting."
The Minister made his announcement today in Ghana during a three-day visit to West Africa, where he is
discussing the situation in Sierra Leone with the governments of Nigeria and Ghana.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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