Moscow satisfied with positive dynamics of conflict settlement in Sierra Leone

Moscow is satisfied with the positive dynamics of conflict settlement in Sierra Leone, a spokesman for the Russian foreign ministry's press and information department said on Friday.

The ministry expressed hope that the internal situation would be stabilized and general elections would be held in May as has been planned. The foreign policy department believes that this will make it possible to solve problems of refugees and will contribute to restoration of the national economy.

The Russian foreign ministry also recalled that a ceremony of destroying weapons given up by the former militants of the anti-government united revolutionary front took place in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone on January 24. Russian diplomats believe that the ceremony is called upon to symbolize in the eyes of Sierra Leone citizens and the international community the completion of the rebels' disarmament which began in May 2001 under the UN aegis. In reality, it means the end of the civil war in Sierra Leone which lasted for ten years.