In the preamble of the resolution, the Security Council praised the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to build peace in the subregion and urged the Mano River Union to engage in dialogue. United Nations operations in the region were asked to enhance co-operation, particularly with regard to preventing the movement of weapons and combatants across borders. The Council welcomed progress in the drawdown of UNAMSIL and underlined the importance of strengthening the capacity of the Sierra Leone Police.