The Liberian Government says it has secured the release of 180 UN peacekeepers being held by rebels in neighbouring Sierra Leone.
Published:
27 May 2000 y., Saturday
Forty-six of the former hostages have been flown to the Liberian capital, Monrovia, where a number were transferred to hospital. The remainder are in the border town of Foya waiting to be airlifted out.
About 70 UN peacekeepers are still being held hostage in Sierra Leone by the rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF) but a Liberian Government minister said mediators were continuing talks with individual rebel commanders and he hoped all UN personnel would soon be freed.
The RUF seized 500 UN hostages more than three weeks ago.
News of the mass release came shortly after Sierra Leonean President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah announced that it was to put the RUF leader, Foday Sankoh, on trial.
He told the BBC in an interview that the evidence against him was being put together now and, if found to have violated the law, Mr Sankoh would no longer be considered part of the peace deal he signed last year.
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
The meeting will be followed by a joint press conference of the Baltic leaders.
more »
During his visit to Brussels, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
more »
Upon the completion of the second working session of the European Council, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius welcomed its results and the agreements it had reached.
more »
After the first working session of the European Council that ran late into the night, Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius welcomed the agreement on an additional EUR 5 billion investment in European energy and infrastructure projects.
more »
In Brussels, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius attended the meeting of Nordic and Baltic Prime Ministers – the meeting which is traditionally held to discuss their opinions right before the first working session of the European Council.
more »
Today the Lithuanian Government has approved nomination of Mindaugas Butkus as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Germany and has submitted his candidacy to the President.
more »
President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus met with President Georgi Parvanov of Bulgaria who arrived in Lithuania on a state visit.
more »
President Valdas Adamkus extended congratulations to President Mary McAleese of Ireland on the occasion of national holiday – St. Patrick Day.
more »
Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius sent a telegram with greetings to new Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis.
more »
Next Monday, March 16, the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Mr. Georgi Parvanov and a delegation arrive in Lithuania on a three-day state visit.
more »