US may delete LRA from terrorists list
Apr 13, 2008
THE US is ready to remove the LRA from its list of terrorists if its leader, Joseph Kony, signs a peace deal and abandons rebellion.
By Henry Mukasa
THE US is ready to remove the LRA from its list of terrorists if its leader, Joseph Kony, signs a peace deal and abandons rebellion.
“The LRA is on the terrorists list because of its terror activities. If those activities cease, it is something we can consider,†the US ambassador, Steven Browning, said.
He was speaking during the visit of the commander of the US Africa command, Gen. William Ward, at the UPDF Senior Staff College in Kimaka, Jinja, on Friday.
Addressing a press conference, Ward was asked whether the US would delete the LRA from its list of terrorists and he referred the question to the ambassador.
In 2001, the US and European Union designated the LRA as a terrorist organisation.
In its 20-year brutal rebellion, the LRA has been infamous for abductions, massacres, mutilations, rape, looting and torching of huts.
Earlier, Gen. Ward lectured the officers undergoing training at the college. He said he was honoured to be associated with the UPDF, which he described as “professional, disciplined and well-led.â€
“Education is critically important to the military profession and that’s why I am visiting this distinguished institution,†Ward said.
He added that the US saluted the UPDF’s role in peace-keeping missions across the continent.
“I want to applaud Uganda’s long lasting commitment to the Africa Union peace-keeping mission in Somalia, where 1,600 Ugandan troops serve.
“The peace keepers have demonstrated high levels of professionalism, and the US is honoured to assist in their training and logistical support,†the commander of the US Africa command said.
THE US is ready to remove the LRA from its list of terrorists if its leader, Joseph Kony, signs a peace deal and abandons rebellion.
“The LRA is on the terrorists list because of its terror activities. If those activities cease, it is something we can consider,†the US ambassador, Steven Browning, said.
He was speaking during the visit of the commander of the US Africa command, Gen. William Ward, at the UPDF Senior Staff College in Kimaka, Jinja, on Friday.
Addressing a press conference, Ward was asked whether the US would delete the LRA from its list of terrorists and he referred the question to the ambassador.
In 2001, the US and European Union designated the LRA as a terrorist organisation.
In its 20-year brutal rebellion, the LRA has been infamous for abductions, massacres, mutilations, rape, looting and torching of huts.
Earlier, Gen. Ward lectured the officers undergoing training at the college. He said he was honoured to be associated with the UPDF, which he described as “professional, disciplined and well-led.â€
“Education is critically important to the military profession and that’s why I am visiting this distinguished institution,†Ward said.
He added that the US saluted the UPDF’s role in peace-keeping missions across the continent.
“I want to applaud Uganda’s long lasting commitment to the Africa Union peace-keeping mission in Somalia, where 1,600 Ugandan troops serve.
“The peace keepers have demonstrated high levels of professionalism, and the US is honoured to assist in their training and logistical support,†the commander of the US Africa command said.