No diplomatic breakthrough, fate of 233 UN peacekeepers hanging loose

The convoy tried once again but was turned back with a stern warning. The 233 detained soldiers then exercised restraint and reduced the intake of rationsto make the food and supplies last longer. To make matters worse torrential downpour has prevented the movement of convoy even under armed protection. Due to the rains, the roads have been washed away and several stretches are badly damaged. It would be very risky to take a food convoy through rebel infested regions, another official said.

The UNAMSIL requested the RUF to permit the landing of helicopters at Kailahun only to replenish the diminishing food stock but the request was repeatedly turned down. Even the Liberian President Charles Taylor who is assisting the UN in securing the release of the 233 detainees could not prevail upon the rebels to permit helicopters to land under supervision.

With UNAMSIL diplomacy not achieving the desired results hopes were pinned on UNAMSIL commander Major General Vijay Jetleys visit to Lome (Togo) earlier this week to attend the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit and the commemoration of the first anniversary of the Lome Agreement. The UN secretary general Kofi Annan was also present along with top African leaders. However, there was nothing concrete on the release of the 233 detainees. It was explained to all concerned that their food stocks were also running low but still the RUF is not relenting on its hard stance, sources said.

Major General Vijay Jetley told the Indian Express that his was a peacekeeping force and would pursue all diplomatic and peaceful channels till the end but didnot rule out a military option soon. We are still relying on the collective wisdom of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the good offices of the secretary general to bring an end to this stand off.

But if diplomacy and tact fail then we will be left with no option other than to employ methods for which we soldiers are trained, he said. The British too are keen to chip in their bit. A British officer is among the 11 military observersdetained and there are British warships lurking close to the coast of Freetown. The operational command is with Major General Jetley but we too have an officertrapped in Kailahun. Wherever our assistance is required we will do our bit, a British army officer said. The Indian attack helicopter unit which had come in on June 17 is also being geared up along with the Indian battalions and the quick reaction companies.