Cook pledges Sierra Leone support

British marines will pull out next week

Foreign Secretary Robin Cook is to hold talks with the leader of Sierra Leone in Freetown on Thursday.

Mr Cook has promised the west African nation that the UK is prepared for "long haul" in helping the state re-build after years of war.

As well as holding talks with President Kabbah the foreign secretary will also hold talks with pro-government militia leaders, Johnny Paul Koroma and Chief Hinga Norman.

Britain is committed to going the distance with the people and government of Sierra Leone

Robin Cook

The UK government has recently announced that 180 soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment will help train the Sierra Leonian army once the Royal Marine Commandos leave next week.

Mr Cook will use the talks to quell fears of a rise in rebel violence once the majority of British forces withdraw.

He will also call on Sierra Leone's military leaders to prevent British made weapons being used by child soldiers, following President Kabbah's order for all under-18s in his army to disarm.

Cook's agenda

Talks with President Kabbah

Rebel diamond embargo

Disarming child soldiers

Bringing Foday Sankoh to justice

Visiting child amputees

Speaking on board an RAF VC10 on the way to Sierra Leone Mr Cook spelt out the UK's strategy.

It was, he said: "To repel the rebels, to restart the peace process and to rebuild Sierra Leone.

"I will be seeking partnership with Sierra Leone to work together on that strategy.

"We have got to set in for a long haul and my repeated message tomorrow is that Britain is committed to going the distance with the people and government of Sierra Leone in going that long haul."

Mr Cook will also gain first hand accounts of the efforts of UK forces to secure Lungi Airport, which has enabled United Nations reinforcements into the country.

As well as calling for rebel leader Foday Sankoh to be "brought to justice" in Sierra Leone, the UK's proposed embargo on diamonds from rebel-controlled areas will be on the agenda.

The foreign secretary will also visit the crew of HMS Ocean which is stationed off Sierra Leone's coast.