UN Security Council Mission To Visit Ghana

Representatives of the United Nations Security Council would visit Ghana on June 29 and 30 to confer with President John Agyekum Kufuor and other Government officials on the crisis in the West African Sub-Region.

Members of the 15-member Council, who would first visit Guinea-Bissau, are expected to arrive in the country from Abuja, Nigeria, a statement issued by the UN Office in Accra on Wednesday said. The statement said the Council would also visit Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone during their 10-day mission.

Led by Mr Jeremy Greenstock, the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the UN, the mission is intended to demonstrate continuing Security Council interest in the Sub-Region, encourage more cooperation among the countries and identify any obstacles to improve cooperation.

"Also, the mission would examine the links between the conflicts in Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone and their impact on neighbouring countries, including the question of mercenaries, arms trafficking and refugees," it said.

Among its other aims is a review of the activities of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and an assessment of progress towards Council objectives on the protection of civilians and children affected by armed conflicts.