Indian peacekeepers moved to Red Cross, but really so?

Indian peacekeepers moved to Red Cross, but really so?
GAURAV C. SAWANT

FREETOWN, JUNE 27: The 21 Indian soldiers in the custody of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels were today shifted to the warehouse of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Pendembu. But that is little reason to cheer as the building belongs to the RUF and the ICRC had packed up operations in Pendembu, three years ago.

The ICRC now operates out of Kenema, and the 21 peacekeepers continue to remain in the custody of the RUF, the United Nations spokesperson Heruit said today. ``Though all efforts are being made and negotiations are on to secure the release of the UN peacekeepers and observers detained both in Pendembu and Kailahun, I reiterate the Secretary-General's position that we want their unconditional release,'' she said.

The RUF held the food convoy meant for the soldiers but released it later, sources at the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) headquarters here said.

The force commander Major General Vijay Jetley spoke to the company commander of a UNAMSIL company stationed in Kailahun. Though the rebels continue to surround the 233 peacekeepers and observers, they are safe and in good health, he added.

On the 21 soldiers being shifted to the ICRC building, the official said: ``One must not read too much into this move at this moment. It might be too premature.''

They have been shifted to this building in a village outside Pendembu only because it is bigger than their earlier area of confinement. The 21 troops were earlier confined to a smaller room in the RUF house in Pendembu. It was very difficult for them to move around, cramped in a little space as they were. Therefore they were shifted to a bigger room at a different place. Also this warehouse is away from the homes of people in the place so the UN peacekeepers may be allowed a little movement within the warehouse, he added.

Meanwhile, the special advisor to the Secretary General (SRSG) at UNAMSIL Oluyemi Adeniji today left for New York to discuss the prevailing conditions here Kofi Annan and also brief the Security Council.

A contingent of the Russian air force is also joining UNAMSIL here tomorrow. The helicopter unit will strengthen the air operations, an official said.