Adopted by the Security Council at its 5608th meeting, on 22 December 2006
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President
concerning the situation in Sierra Leone, in particular resolutions 1688 (2006) and 1620 (2005),
Commending the valuable contribution that the United Nations Integrated
Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) has made to the recovery of Sierra Leone from
conflict and to the country’s peace, security and development,
Considering the report of the Secretary-General of 28 November (S/2006/922) and welcoming his recommendation that the mandate of UNIOSIL is extended for a further 12 months until 31 December 2007 with a view to providing continued peacebuilding assistance to the Government of Sierra Leone and preparing for the general elections in July 2007,
Noting the letter of 27 November from the President of Sierra Leone to the
Secretary-General that likewise emphasizes the need for the mandate of UNIOSIL to be extended for a further 12 months,
Stressing that the July 2007 elections and the wide acceptance of their outcome
will be a major milestone indicating the sustainability of peace and security in
Sierra Leone, which should also help to define UNIOSIL’s exit strategy,
Emphasizing'''' the importance of the continued support of the United Nations
system and the international community for the long-term peace, security and
development of Sierra Leone, particularly through strengthening the capacity of the Government of Sierra Leone,Taking note of the Peacebuilding Commission country specific meetings of 12 October and 13 December 2006, which discussed four priority areas for peacebuilding efforts in Sierra Leone as well as gaps in those areas, recommended next steps for peacebuilding, and noted the determination of the Government of Sierra Leone to coordinate and prioritize work in country, working with UNIOSIL, donors, international institutions, civil society and the private sector to take forward these priorities in order to help bring about a sustainable peace,Welcoming the progress made in reforming the security sector in Sierra Leone and, in particular, the developing professionalism of the Sierra Leone armed forces and police, and urging further strengthening and rationalizing of the security architecture so that the police and armed forces are sustainable in the long term and able to carry out their tasks effectively, in particular in connection with the elections in July 2007,Welcoming the launch in July 2006 of the Improved Governance and Accountability Pact (IGAP) agreed between main donors and the Government of Sierra Leone, which sets out ten critical governance commitments, including on anti-corruption, public procurement, civil service reform and democracy, and a further ten donor principles of engagement to improve aid effectiveness,Reiterating its appreciation for the work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and its vital contribution to reconciliation and the rule of law in Sierra Leone and the subregion, stressing the importance of the forthcoming trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor by the Court and the progress being made in other trials,reiterating its expectation that the Court will finish its work expeditiously, noting in this regard the Secretary-General’s letter of 27 November, and calling upon Member States to contribute generously to the Court,Encouraging the Member States of the Mano River Union and other regional organizations to continue their dialogue aimed at building regional peace and security,
1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNIOSIL, as outlined in resolution
1620 (2005), until 31 December 2007;
2. Endorses the increase in the number of personnel of UNIOSIL
recommended in paragraph 70 of the report of the Secretary-General of
28 November for a period from 1 January 2007 to 31 October 2007 in order to
enhance the support provided by UNIOSIL for the elections and its ability to carry out its functions elsewhere in Sierra Leone;
3. Calls upon the Secretary-General to conduct a comprehensive assessment
of UNIOSIL’s role, closer to the election date, with a view to developing its exit strategy;
4. Calls upon all parties in Sierra Leone to demonstrate their full
commitment to the democratic process and to ensure that the 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections are peaceful, transparent, free and fair;