Commonwealth to assist Sierra Leone with Technical Assistance

The British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office responsible for Africa, Mr. Tony Lloyd, has said that the Commonwealth is ready to provide Sierra Leone with technical assistance to re-build her economy. He said the Commonwealth is negotiating with the United Nations and advisory donor countries on the situation in that country and the type of assistance she requires. Mr. Lloyd, who is also a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on Sierra Leone, was speaking to newsmen on arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra to begin a three-day official visit to the country. He said the Commonwealth is aimed at demobilizing the combatants, providing emergency relief and the restoring order to re-build the nation and civil institutions like health and education. He praised the Economic Community of West African States for the important role it played in the restoration of peace in Sierra Leone. Mr. Lloyd also commended Ghana for playing an important role in the sub-region in terms of maintaining peace and security as well as showing the way in democratic and economic development. He said he would also use the opportunity to discuss investment between the two countries when he meets leaders of government. Mr. Ian Mackely, British High Commissioner in Ghana, met Mr. Lloyd on arrival.