SPECIAL COURT FOR SIERRA LEONE - UK DRAFT PRST

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000498 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM PREF PREL SUBJECT: SPECIAL COURT FOR SIERRA LEONE - UK DRAFT PRST ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 2 below. The UK distributed the draft UNSCR Presidential Statement (PRST) contained in paragraph 3 below to the Special Court for Sierra Leone Management Committee on June ¶15. The UK indicated that since the June 8 UNSC meeting on the Special Court was such a positive meeting, Council adoption of a PRST on the subject would capitalize on this positive energy. ¶2. (U) USUN requests instructions on U.S. reactions to the UK draft PRST contained in para 3 below. ¶3. (U) Quote. "The Security Council expresses its warm appreciation to the President and Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone for their briefing on the activities of the Special Court during the debate of the Security Council on 7 June 2007. The Security Council reiterates its strong support for the Special Court and welcomes the progress achieved in this context, the Security Council notes the contribution of the Special Court to strengthening stability in Sierra Leone and the sub-region and bringing an end to impunity. The Security Council welcomes the commencement of the trial of Charles Taylor on 4 June 2007, following the adoption of resolution 1688(2006). The Security Council welcomes the Special Courts progress towards achieving its completion strategy. The Security Council underlines its expectation that all organs of the Court will do their utmost to finish its work in accordance with the completion strategy. The Security Council takes note of the Special Court,s ongoing needs for financial support, and urges the international community to continue to support the Court as it moves into its final stage of work. In particular, the Security Council emphasizes the vital need for further pledges of voluntary contributions in order to tallow the Court to complete its mandate in a timely manner and urges all UN Member States to consider making such pledges. The Security Council also notes the varied challenges remaining for the Special Court to fulfill its mandate, and urges States to consider supporting the Special Court by assisting entering into appropriate arrangements with the Special Court for witness relocation and enforcement of sentences. The Security Council commends the important Outreach work of the Special Court in bringing its judicial work to the attention of the people of Sierra Leone, and thereby contributing to the restoration of the rule of law. The Security Council notes that further arrangements will be needed to address residual matters after trials and appeals are completed, including issues arising from long-term enforcement of sentences for convicted persons and he future trial of any indictees remaining at large." End Quote. WOLFF