DATE=03/21/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N/SIERRA LEONE

NUMBER=2-287839

BYLINE=JAMES DONAHOWER

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: In the wake of the completion of disarmament process in Sierra Leone, the United Nations Security Council today (Thursday) sought adequate resources for programs aiming at easing nearly 50,000 ex-combatants back into society . James Donahower reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: Sierra Leone's representative to the United Nations Oluyemi Adeniji told the Security Council that the recent disarmament of 47-thousand combatants can only be declared a success if the former combatants are integrated successfully back into society -- a large task, he says, that urgently requires more funding.

///ADENIJI ACT///

I emphasize the danger in that: If you have almost 50-thousand young men who have been disarmed and yet, have nothing to do because the re-integration projects have really not taken off properly…I asked the Security Council to call the attention of the donors to this.

///END ACT///

Mr. Adeniji says there is a shortfall of seven million dollars for re-integration projects.

He says preparations for a May presidential election are on schedule. About two-point-two million voters have registered so far 600-thousand more than in 1996. (Signed)

NEB/NYC/JAD/SAB