Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 February 2002. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Thursday, 7 February 2002 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy toward Liberia; what assessment he has made of the impact of sanctions; and when he expects them to be lifted.

Answer: Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy toward Liberia; what assessment he has made of the impact of sanctions; and when he expects them to be lifted. [32716] Mr. MacShane: Liberia continues to threaten stability in the Mano River sub-region and undermine progress towards lasting peace in Sierra Leone. A UN report published in December 2000 highlighted President Taylor's financial and military support for the RUF rebels trying to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone. The UN demanded that Liberia cut its links with the armed rebel groups. In May 2001, with strong UK support, the UNSC imposed sanctions on Liberia including a renewed arms embargo, a ban on the export of uncut diamonds and a travel ban on President Taylor and his associates. We believe the sanctions, should remain in place until there is clear evidence that Taylor has fundamentally changed his behaviour.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 32716; 379 c1078W;379 c1072W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Armed conflict Arms trade Foreign relations Sanctions Sierra Leone Liberia
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk