PRESS BRIEFING
TUEDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2001
MR ADRIAAN VERHEUL - POLITICAL DESK OFFICER, DPKO
MARGARET NOVICKI - CHIEF, PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION
AND MAJOR M. M. YERIMA - MILITARY SPOKESMAN

FIRST UNHCR AID CONVOY ARRIVES IN SOUTHERN GUINEA

The first humanitarian convoy to deliver aid since last September to tens of thousands of refugees stranded in southwestern Guinea arrived in the area yesterday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR said in a statement issued in Geneva. Under Guinean military escort, the 11-truck convoy organized by UNHCR carried 58 tonnes of food provided by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to the town of Temessadou in the Parrot's Beak - a region which has been largely inaccessible to aid agencies for several months following repeated rebel attacks in the border area between Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

UNHCR and WFP spent much of the past two weeks retrieving aid supplies - including some 1,600 metric tonnes of food - from their warehouse in Gueckedou and storing it in Kissidougou. Some non-governmental organisations that have managed to reach the Parrot's Beak area over the past few weeks have reported exceptionally high malnutrition rates, especially among children. According to UNHCR, many of the refugees are believed to be too weak to walk to safety further north. The refugees also have reported that they are prevented from moving en masse by suspicious Guinean authorities and an often hostile local population that associates their presence with the upsurge in rebel attacks.

By the end of the week, aid agencies hope to have delivered a total of 425 metric tonnes of food for some 30,000 people, including displaced Guineans. Rations are sufficient for 2,100 kilo-calories per person per day for one month.

UN TEAM MONITORS PULL-OUT OF RWANDAN TROOPS FROM DRC

A United Nations team on Friday left Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), for the south-eastern town of Pweto to prepare for the deployment of UN observers who will monitor the disengagement of Rwandan troops, a UN spokesman said in New York. Briefing the press, spokesman Fred Eckhard said the team of four military observers belonging to the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) would become operational as of Sunday, 25 February.

The dispatch of the observers follows the recent announcement by Rwandan President Paul Kagame that Rwandan soldiers would be withdrawing 200 kilometers from Pweto in the direction of their own country.

Meanwhile MONUC is expecting 40 additional military observers to arrive today, the spokesman said.

DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES URGENT ACTION ON HIV/AIDS

As negotiators from around the world started a week-long meeting in preparation for the June General Assembly special session on HIV/AIDS, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General yesterday called for urgent action to stem the epidemic's spread. Addressing the opening of a week-long round of informal consultations on the special session, Louise Fréchette pointed out that last year, more people died of AIDS than in any previous year, and cautioned that "unless we act more decisively and effectively than we have yet been able to, these grim figures will continue to multiply."

She cited the price and availability of drugs as one area that was crucial to this task, but added that it would be equally important to address "the desperate inadequacy of public health systems in many poor countries -- one of the harshest and most unjust forms that poverty takes." The Deputy Secretary-General also underscored the need for a preventive approach. "We must do everything in our power to protect people -- especially young people" from infection, she said. "We must make more determined efforts to prevent the cruelest infections of all -- those from mother to unborn or new-born child."

Ms. Fréchette also highlighted the need for adequate resources in the fight against AIDS. "A much greater financial effort is required, to which all must contribute according to their ability," she said, adding that the special session should "mobilize the international community for a focused and co-ordinated effort."

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

On 26 February, President Kabbah opened a two-day Donors Meeting, the first to be held in Sierra Leone. President Kabbah briefed representatives of the donors on the improved security situation, dispelled the idea that rebels control two-thirds of the country and stated that the RUF was anxious to reach a political settlement. Representatives of the World Bank, IMF, ADB, the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, China and Norway, as well as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, attended.

Later in the day, the SRSG delivered a lecture at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone on the International Perspective of the Sierra Leone Conflict. The audience, consisting of both students and faculty, was particularly interested in the interaction and coordination between the UN and ECOWAS, as an example of cooperative effort between an international organization that holds the military initiative, and a sub-regional organization that continues to underpin the political negotiations.

HUMAN RIGHTS

On 26 February, the Human Rights Section of UNAMSIL hosted a consultative conference on the Rule of Law in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone. The conference reviewed the Sierra Leone juvenile justice system vis-à-vis the relevant international human rights instruments, and made relevant recommendations. This opening session was attended amongst others by the representatives of the Chief Justice, the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice. Also present were judges, magistrates, as well as members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association and civil society.

Two human rights officers attended a meeting of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) working group. The meeting focused on concrete sensitization plans throughout the country. International organizations such as the International Human Rights Law Group and No Peace Without Justice also attended the meeting. UNICEF made a contribution on its perspective on the situation of children vis-à-vis the TRC and No Peace without Justice revealed that it was exploring possibilities for outreach and sensitization with respect to the Special Court. The UNAMSIL Human Rights Section has finalized plans for four additional sensitization workshops in Kenema, Bonthe, Barlo Wharf and Magburaka.

CIVILIAN POLICE

In Kenema, UNAMSIL Civilian Police Advisers together with ZAMBATT and the MILOBs attended a joint security meeting during which it was mentioned that due to the acute food shortage in the CDF-dominated area close to the rebel-held territory, the SLA, the CDF, and the Sierra Leonean police should issue clearance certificates to allow vehicles carrying food and fuel to enter these areas under strict supervision.

UNAMSIL CONDUCT CORDON AND SEARCH

In continuation with UNAMSIL's operations in the four sectors in which it is deployed, NIBATT 8 in conjunction with SLP conducted a cordon and search operation in the old Port Loko area and seized about 100 rounds of .50mm ammo in a house. Also in Port Loko, a MILOBS patrol to Katonga on 25 February confirmed that there had been sounds of heavy bombardment in the direction of Kambia district. Twenty IDPs have passed through Barbara in the past 48 hours on their way to Lungi, said the village chief.

MEETING AT ROGBERI JUNCTION

The meeting between an UNAMSIL delegation, NGO Liaison Officer, and RUF from Lunsar scheduled for 26 February at Rogberi Junction did not take place. The UNAMSIL delegation waited for two hours, but nobody from the RUF side showed up. Tomorrow the Deputy Force Commander will visit Lunsar, where he will be able to determine the reasons for the RUF's absence. The meeting was to continue discussions on repair of the Rogberi Junction - Lunsar road.

NIBBATT 6 PATROLS

A NIBATT 6 patrol on 25 February apprehended 2 SLA soldiers at Up Gun Turntable as they attempted to enter Freetown with their personal weapons. Additionally, NIBATT 6 troops at Hill Cot Junction checkpoint disarmed eight (8) ex-combatants of CDF who surrendered with their weapons and ammo. They were handed over to DDR. On 26 February, 6 ex-combatants surrendered to NIBATT 6 at No 34 Spur Road reception center with an assortment of weapons and ammo.

INFLOW OF IDPs FROM TRI-BORDER AREAS TO DARU

In Sector 3, the Daru MILOBS team indicated that a total of 104 IDPs had arrived in Daru from Guinea and Liberia over the weekend, two-thirds of whom were children. Also in Daru, over 200 people demonstrated against the Resident Minister's action to close Kenema-Daru road. People in Daru are said to be suffering from lack of medicine and a rise in the prices of goods as a result of the closure.

TRANSCRIPT
POLITICAL DESK OFFICER, DPKO - ADRIAAN VERHAUL
ANSWERS QUESTIONS POSED BY THE MEDIA

Q: I understand that ECOWAS Ministers are asking the Security Council to delay sanctions on Liberia. What is the position of the Security Council vis-à-vis the request made by the ECOWAS leaders?

A: As you rightly pointed out, ECOWAS ministers have suggested to the Security Council that they delay the entry into force of sanctions by two months. When I left New York this was still very much under negotiation within the Security Council. To my knowledge, but I stand to be corrected, no resolution has yet been adopted, which means that they are still talking about it. As a member of the Secretariat, it is therefore not possible or appropriate for me to come to any conclusion as negotiations continue within the Security Council and I take it that there will be resolution soon or rather than later.

Q: The sanctions have been put on hold for two months. Does that mean they are to be imposed after the two-month period, or is the UN studying the conditions under which those sanctions will be imposed?

A: My understanding of the ECOWAS position is that they believe that Liberia should be given a chance to prove their willingness to take certain measures designed to put an end to its support of the RUF. It has indicated a number of measures and what I understand is that ECOWAS suggested to the Council that Liberia be given some chance to put these measures into effect. As I said earlier, the issue is under negotiation in the Security Council, and your question should more properly be addressed to members of the Security Council. I am in no position to comment on it for the time being. I am a Desk Officer in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, and although I follow the debate on sanctions closely, I have no substantive responsibility for the implementations of sanctions. My responsibility is limited to the operations of UNAMSIL and the discussions in the Council on UNAMSIL, and not on sanctions.

Q: I understand 11 or 10 trucks went into Temessadou, southern Guinea for the refugees. Are there any long-term plans with regards the movement of refugees from that region to safer areas?

A: You are aware that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Ruud Lubbers was here in the region to discuss that issue. His discussions focused on two options. One was moving the refugees northward in Guinea itself, and then also opening up safe corridors for the refugees to return to Sierra Leone. Those are the two options that we continue to look at, at this time.

Q: Sierra Leone is facing a serious political problem at the moment, and the Government of Sierra Leone has just extended its life span for another six months, after which elections can be held. Do you have any advice for Sierra Leone as political desk officer in the DPKO?

A: The decision on whether or not to hold elections is dependent on a whole range of factors which include security, the necessary funding and preparations for the elections and all of these will take some time. It is clear that for free and fair elections to take place, quite a lot of work needs to be done. It remains for the time being an open question whether that work can be achieved within the six-month period. I have no advice to give to the Government of Sierra Leone, which is a sovereign government. However, it is clear that a lot needs to be done before the necessary conditions for these elections are established. I think at the end of the six-month period another important decision will be required.

Q: What nationality are you?

A: I am Dutch.

Q: What other efforts are still being made to get member states to be willing to contribute troops to UNAMSIL, or is it an issue that the industrialized countries should be involved in?

A: We have been making efforts to get member states willing to contribute troops since the inception of UNAMSIL. Industrialized countries are also the ones that have well-trained and well-equipped battalions that are self-sustainable, which is our preferred deployment. We are talking to them, but the willingness to contribute on the part of these member states is limited.

Q: Is there any official reason why they don't want to contribute?

A: In our contacts with these Governments, we don't make an initial official request. Most of these contacts are done at an informal level initially. At that level we are very often aware whether or not it make sense to pursue it further, and no reasons are given, although there are concerns on the part of troop contributors about the security environment, the risk that our troops are exposed to, and the possibility of escalation which is fairly heavy on their minds. If you compare it, for example, with a mission like Ethiopia and Eritrea where the security risks are believed to be low, the enthusiasm for participation is proportionally higher.

I believe the Special Representative of the Secretary-General two days ago said that the situation could be improved in Sierra Leone if the peace process would move forward. The security environment would increase and obviously member states would prefer to participate in an operation that has a chance of success. There is a saying, "a success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan", and "success breeds success." Therefore if the parties (the RUF and the Government of Sierra Leone) make progress to a peaceful solution on the ground, you are likely to find an increase in the enthusiasm or willingness to participate. For the time being the key problem for us is to find troops who come with the necessary equipment and the capability to sustain themselves. So far success has been rather limited.

Q: What is the reason for your visit?

A: I am here mainly to hold discussions with UNAMSIL, NCDDR and other stakeholders on the possible way forward for the DDR programme.

Q: An Italian Missionary Services News Agency (MISNA) reported that 9 civilians were killed in Subuya and four at Rokel. Can you confirm the casualty figures?

A: I am not in a position to now confirm those figures.

Q: The RUF has broken their commitments made on various peace agreements and people think that they will do the same to the Abuja Ceasefire Agreement as they are only buying time to reorganize themselves. Does the UN still have confidence in the RUF as regards their commitment to the peace process? If not, are you planning strategies that will force the RUF to be committed to the peace process?

A: As you have pointed out, the RUF has broken its commitment made on various occasions on successive agreements, therefore the RUF has a problem, and it needs to prove that it is worthy of our confidence. The present period of the Abuja agreement and its implementation is designed to give them that opportunity to increase confidence, and to show that the RUF are a credible partner for peace. The initial signals have been rather promising, and discussions are ongoing with the Force Commander and with the force at various levels. The RUF still needs to return the weapons from UNAMSIL and allow deployment to take place before full confidence is assured. Confidence building is a gradual process, and it is not something that you can say is not there. It is something that has to grow over time and I think the ball is in the court of the RUF.

Q: What is your advice to combatants who are still reluctant to join the DDR programme, and what action do you think is needed to be taken against those combatants?

A: The advice is very simple - If you are interested in improving your future, there is no future in being a combatant. Come forward to disarm, give up your weapon, enter the reintegration programme and resume a civilian life. So in short my advice would be, become a civilian. The discussions I had with officials of the NCDDR and UNAMSIL centred around this important theme, that there should be a clear and consistent message coming out from UNAMSIL and the Government of Sierra Leone to the ex-combatants to show that there is a future ahead of them as civilians. Their reintegration and benefits should be made clear to them and provide an incentive for them to come out, join the DDR programme and return to their communities and start life as a civilian and citizen of Sierra Leone.

Q: Will you as a Desk Officer in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations recommend to the Security Council the use of force in the event that there is a delay in the confidence-building?

A: I cannot make recommendations to the Security Council. It is up to the Secretary-General to do so. The use of force by peacekeepers is something that needs to be looked at very closely. We are here in a peacekeeping capacity, which means that UNAMSIL is here to support a peace process, and we are not here to impose a political or military solution. Neither the Security Council nor the troop contributors would allow us to do so. UNAMSIL is designed and set up as a fairly robust peacekeeping operation which will remain alert and should respond to any threat of attack, but it will not, under the current mandate, take the fight to the RUF. These are peacekeeping rules and it is very simple. If the situation changes and there is a collapse of the peace process, or attacks when currently dealing with the new political situation, that will require review. Those countries contributing troops to UNAMSIL are doing so on the assumption that they are helping the UN in a peace process. They cannot contribute troops to wage war, and it is very clear that if there is risk of casualties on the part of the troop-contributing countries, their willingness to participate will obviously be undermined. So it is a careful balance for any decision related to the use of force, which involves the Secretary-General, the Security Council and close consultations with troop-contributing countries in the light of the circumstances on the ground.

Q: Are you optimistic that there will be success in achieving peace in Sierra Leone?

A: On the part of the RUF, the Government and the people of Sierra Leone and the international community, there is a long way to go and considerable work needs to be done. But I believe that there will be success in the end because the people of Sierra Leone have suffered long enough and deserve the prospect of a good future. Having said that, if you look at the history of peace process, I cannot think of a single peace process that took place since the Second World War that could be solved easily. For example, in the Middle East, the search for peace continues, Cambodia where a peacekeeping operation was there for two years but only after ten years of difficult and hard negotiations, Central America where the peace process has taken up to ten years before it was successful, and the Balkans where there is a solution, but the peace process is still to be completed. There are salient points to the peace process, which is being time and energy consuming. There are no simple quick fixes to civil war situations in particular. It takes a long time and it takes sustained commitment on the part of all concerned and willingness to reconcile and engage in political dialogue, and this is over a longer time. The peace process goes through various stages. We are now on a peacekeeping phase and when that is over, no doubt, there will be a need for continued efforts on the part of the international community through peace-building and peace consolidation efforts. In short, I am optimistic and I believe that there is possibility for durable peace in Sierra Leone, but this will require the commitment of everybody involved.

Q: What do you think is responsible for the delay in the establishment of the Special Court, which is the main aspect to the peace process?

A: The Special Court is an initiative by the Security Council. Negotiations have been held between the Secretariat and the Government of Sierra Leone on the modalities of the Court. There has been an exchange between the Secretary-General and the Security Council on the Special Court. My understanding is that the main obstacle to the establishment of the Court is funding, which is on voluntary basis. This means that the UN needs to seek the necessary funds from member states. It will need a considerable amount of money up front in order to establish the Court, hire personnel and also to meet the operating costs to enable it to function for some time. As long as the funds are not there up front, it will be difficult to establish it. In the meantime, I am conscious of the role the Special Court plays in the peace process and it is therefore important that funding is available soon rather than later.

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For additional information, contact UNAMSIL Public Information Office: UNAMSIL Headquarters, Mammy Yoko, P. O. Box 5, Freetown, Sierra Leone Tel: 232-22-273-183/4/5 Fax: 232-22-273-189