[1] In the preamble of the resolution, the council began by welcoming the recommendation of the Secretary-General Kofi Annan to establish an integrated office as a follow-on to UNAMSIL from the end of 2005.

It emphasised the importance of a smooth transition between UNAMSIL and the integrated office, and of continued support from the international community for the long-term development of Sierra Leone.

The security council established UNIOSIL with a mandate to assist the Sierra Leonean government in capacity building, human rights, the electoral process, enhancing good governance, strengthening the rule of law, promoting peace and dialogue, strengthening the security sector and the well-being of the population.

[2] The integrated office would also assist with the security situation, co-ordinate with other United Nations missions in West Africa and with the Special Court.

UNIOSOL would be headed by an executive representative of the secretary-general, while Kofi Annan was asked to continue planning for the protection of the special court.