The British government has announced an inquiry into allegations that British officials were involved in sending weapons to Sierra Leone in breach of a United Nations embargo.

The Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, told parliament he would ask someone from outside his department to investigate and produce a public report.

He insisted no ministerial approval was given for the activities of Sandline International, a British company which has admitted sending arms to Sierra Leone earlier this year as part of efforts to restore to power President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.

The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, said anyone found to have assisted in covert arms sales would face disciplinary action.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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