Rawlings receives UN Representative in Sierra Leone

Accra (GreaterAccra) 25 Jan. '99

President Jerry Rawlings has called for peace talks to proceed on Sierra Leone and a ''stop to the barbaric acts being meted out to the civilian population'' by rebels. Although the rebels and their allies might have legitimate concerns, nobody will listen to them so long as they continue to kill and maim innocent civilians, he said. "We are prepared to sit down to talk provided they stop those acts of violence, killing and maiming of innocent civilians". President Rawlings also repeated his call on countries supporting the rebels against the West African Peace Keeping Force, (ECOMOG) to review their action and find an alternative. "We do not believe this is the only way to handle the situation." President Rawlings made the points when Dr Francis Okello, representative of the UN Secretary-General in Sierra Leone called on him at the Castle, Osu, to update him on the situation in that country. He made it clear that he is not an admirer of embattled President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, neither will he be part of or support any rebel group against his government. The President therefore implored Dr Okello to get to some of the "sober minded" allies of the rebels to bring their influence to bear for them to see reason, reiterating that ECOWAS entered Sierra Leone not to wage war but to consolidate democracy. "The will of the people must be made to prevail," President Rawlings said adding that anything short of this will make democracy in that country suffer. Dr Okello said the situation in Sierra Leone has degenerated saying its gravity has not been properly appreciated. "We have a problem. The situation is very serious, very grave," he said adding that ''something needs to be done and must be done now''. Dr Okello who had been to some other countries in the sub- region on a similar mission, said he came to Ghana because of her stake and interest in searching for a lasting peace in Sierra Leone. Mr James Victor Gbeho, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said Ghana has a stake in the troubled country, not only because of good neighbourliness but also her desire in ensuring democracy and good governance. He expressed regrets that ''some sister countries'' have contributed to reverse the gains so far made in Sierra Leone. "Whatever happens, democracy must be restored. The constitutionally elected government must be supported. We must close our ranks to see the way forward." Present were UN Representative in Ghana, Dr Abdulai Janneh, Mr Kofi Totobi Quakyi, Minister of National security, Colonel E.K.T. Donkor, Deputy Minister of Defence and senior Defence and Foreign affairs officials.