OTTAWA -The Canadian Forces (CF) increased its commitment to the British-led International Military Advisory and Training Team (IMATT) in Sierra Leone with its latest deployment on Operation SCULPTURE . On Sunday, June 5, eleven CF members departed on Rotation 9, three more than the previous contingent for Operation SCULPTURE . "This shift in focus allows Canada to continue its role in the efforts to help rebuild the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces," stated Defence Minister Bill Graham. "This is a demonstration of the type of operation we will focus on as outlined in our recent Defence Policy Statement." "Our assistance to IMATT will continue as CF members pass on their knowledge, expertise, and professionalism to Sierra Leone's armed forces," said General Rick Hiller, Chief of the Defence Staff. "This important contribution is helping to re-establish their armed forces and make them an effective force after many years of conflict." Operation SCULPTURE , Canada's contribution to IMATT, began in November 2000. The IMATT mandate is to rebuild, restructure, and equip the armed forces of Sierra Leone. Some 110 personnel comprise IMATT and come from Bermuda, Canada, Ghana, Great Britain, Jamaica, Nigeria, Senegal, and the United States. The CF is closing its other operation in Sierra Leone, Operation REPTILE . The last three personnel serving as Military Observers with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) will return to Canada by July 10, as UNAMSIL itself is preparing to close by the end of the year. The CF involvement in UNAMSIL began in June 1999. UNAMSIL is designed to achieve peace in the region through disarmament, demobilisation and re-integration of the belligerent forces in compliance with the terms of the Lomé Peace Accord, signed in July 1999. -30-
