ELECTIONS IN SIERRA LEONE

That this House congratulates Sierra Leone for its recent conduct of successful parliamentary and presidential elections, and the peaceful transition of power to the new regime; notes the important role of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy in providing training and support to the political parties in Sierra Leone; supports the Foundation's ongoing work in the country; further supports President Koroma's desire to tackle corruption; believes that Sierra Leone can now build on these elections to create a prosperous and democratic state; recognises the role that Britain and the United Nations played in bringing stability to Sierra Leone; welcomes the trial of Charles Taylor at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in the Hague; and hopes that the conclusion of this trial will allow Sierra Leone to leave its difficult past behind it.