OWN CORRESPONDENT, London | Tuesday 5.30pm.
BRITAIN will release stocks of light weapons and ammunition to Sierra Leone’s army in response to a request by its government.
British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon told parliament on Tuesday that British officers will also lead an international team of military advisers to provide long-term training for President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s forces, who are fighting Revolutionary United Front rebels.
”Creating new democratically accountable armed forces in Sierra Leone is vital to the future stability of Sierra Leone,” Hoon said.
He said Britain is also replacing hundreds of crack paratroopers who flew into Sierra Leone earlier this month with marines currently off the coast of Sierra Leone.
Britain sent troops to its former colony to help evacuations and secure the airport for United Nations reinforcements. — Reuters