Press Release
AFR/269
SC/6922
After the consultations held on 15 September, the President of the Security Council, Moctar Ouane (Mali), issued the following statement on behalf of the members in connection with the item relating to Sierra Leone:
The members of the Security Council held informal consultations on 15 September pursuant to paragraph 15 of Section A of resolution 1306 (2000), by which the Council decided to conduct its first review of the measures imposed by paragraph 1 of this resolution no later than 15 September, and further such reviews every six months after the date of adoption of the resolution, and to consider at those times what further measures may be necessary.
The members of the Security Council reviewed the implementation of resolution 1306 (2000).
The members of the Security Council commended the Government of Sierra Leone for developing, with international assistance, the certification regime that has been submitted to the 1132 (1997) Sanctions Committee and hoped that with further information from the Government of Sierra Leone on how this regime would be implemented, diamonds would soon start to be exported under this regime.
The members of the Security Council welcomed the hearing on diamonds and arms trade and look forward to the report.
The members of the Security Council commended the Secretary-General for appointing the panel of experts, expressed their strong support for the work of the panel and called upon all countries to collaborate with the panel.
The members of the Security Council encouraged countries which have not done so to report to the Committee on national implementation of resolution 1306 (2000), and taking into account the reminder sent to Member States that are yet to respond, requested those countries to submit their reports as early as possible.
Council members agreed to review the issues further as necessary.
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