Mr President,
Today's decision to establish the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone, UNOMSIL, is an important contribution by the international community to the process of peace and reconciliation in Sierra Leone. My country gives special importance to the fact that, in addition to monitoring the military and security situation and the process of disarmament and demobilization, the mandate also includes monitoring of the respect for international humanitarian law and human rights.
UNOMSIL will continue and strengthen the important work of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Francis Okelo, and his colleagues, whose devoted efforts I would like to take this opportunity to commend.
The strongest imperative now for Sierra Leone is of course the cessation of hostilities, followed by disarmament and demobilization. Equally important, however, is the need for a wider perspective on how to reach a long-term solution. The emphasis given in the resolution to the need to engage in a genuine process of national reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation is therefore essential - thus also seeking to address the fundamental causes of the conflict. The Government of Sierra Leone should be commended for the actions taken in this field, aiming at stabilizing the country and strengthening democratic institutions.
ECOWAS has played an important role in the process towards peace in Sierra Leone. ECOMOG should be encouraged to coordinate its efforts with UNOMSIL. The joint efforts of the UN and ECOMOG, as a subregional organization, are well in line with the overall ambition of the international community to support and strengthen African peacekeeping capacity.
The continued resistance to the legitimate government and the violence perpetrated against the civilian population by members of the Revolutionary United Front and AFRC is unacceptable. Sweden strongly condemns the atrocities committed against the civilian population by the rebels. We urge all parties involved to respect human rights and international humanitarian law.
There is also continuing concern about the political instability in the region as a whole. The recent meeting between the Presidents of Sierra Leone and Liberia on 2 July was, however, a positive step. We also welcome the constructive cooperation of the Liberian government in supporting the possible deployment of military observers along the border between the two countries.
The importance of coordinated and comprehensive action cannot be overestimated. Although the responsibility lies primarily with the Government of Sierra Leone, the international community also has a vital role.
Bearing in mind the grave humanitarian situation, Sweden welcomes the humanitarian efforts made by OCHA, UNHCR and other organizations, despite the limited financial resources made available to this date. In this context, I would like to mention that in June, Sweden decided to contribute approximately 1 million US dollars to support UNHCR in assisting Sierra Leonean refugees in Guinea (Conakry) and Liberia, in addition to our previous contributions to humanitarian efforts in Sierra Leone.
Thank you, Mr President.