SECRETARY-GENERAL ADDRESSES OPENING OF CONFERENCE ON ASSISTANCE TO LIBERIA

Press Release
SG/SM/5801
IHA/582

SECRETARY-GENERAL ADDRESSES OPENING OF CONFERENCE ON ASSISTANCE TO LIBERIA

Following is the text of the opening address delivered this morning by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali to the Conference on Assistance to Liberia:

Only a few days ago, the United Nations proudly hosted the largest ever gathering of world Leaders. The leadership of its Member States, in an historic declaration, affirmed their determination to build and maintain justice among all States. This Conference on Assistance to Liberia reflects that same resolve.

The long and terrible civil war in Liberia has ended. It has lasted six years -- six years too long. The 150,000 lives lost cannot be reclaimed. Half the country's population have fled their homes.

The Abuja Peace Agreement awaits early and effective implementation. The United Nations is committed to that goal. But the decision to make peace rests, ultimately, with those who have made the war.

Critical, though preliminary, steps have been taken. The new Council of State has been instituted. A cease-fire has been re-established. Disengagement of forces has begun. There is agreement on a timetable for further implementation of the Abuja Agreement. Given sincere effort by all, democratic elections will be possible in Liberia next year.

A lasting peace in Liberia will require strong, secure and stable foundations. Democracy must inspire responsibility in governance and accountability in administration. Comprehensive national political leadership is needed. Today, leaders of the once warring factions are working together in the transitional government. That is greatly encouraging.

Reconciliation is the cornerstone of peace. It must be built upon, with care and compassion. We share with Liberia and its people their pain of the past, their hope of the present, and their vision of the future. We pay

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tribute to their courage and fortitude. And we applaud the work of their friends in the region. The Economic Community of West African States, dynamically led by President Rawlings of Ghana, has made a stellar contribution to this peace. The Community took the initiative to deploy the Monitoring Group as a peace-keeping force, while pursuing peace at the negotiating table.

That initiative has met with success. The United Nations is proud to have helped facilitate this peace process. To my Special Representative, Ambassador Nyaki, a particular word of gratitude and appreciation. Liberia provides a real example of the importance of complementary efforts by the United Nations and regional organizations in the restoration of peace.

For years, Liberia was a "forgotten" emergency. Its conditions were desperate. War raged and homes were abandoned. But conflicts elsewhere dominated international attention. The costs of peace-keeping in the former Yugoslavia for five days equals the entire budget of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) for an entire year. This distortion in the use of resources demands correction. Today offers an opportunity. We shall be considering Liberia's needs in four specific areas.

The most immediate is humanitarian assistance. With peace, previously inaccessible populations can be reached. Some have suffered without assistance for the past year. Essential services now must be provided or rehabilitated.

Second, disarmament and demobilization are a priority. I have dispatched a technical team to assist in this regard. Based upon the team's findings, my thirteenth report on Progress of the United Nations Mission in Liberia stresses the linkage between demobilization and re-integration and humanitarian programmes.

Third, recovery and rehabilitation require rapid action. Domestic resources must be mobilized. Local action must be prioritized. The international community must play a major role. Financial institutions must provide cohesive support.

Fourth, the capability of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Observer Group (ECOMOG) must be assured. Logistical support is urgent. The ECOWAS has held bilateral discussions with donors in this regard.

This is a time of financial difficulty for many Member States. But even a relatively small investment will bring significant benefit not only to Liberia but to the region and to Africa as a whole.

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A response is needed now. The Peace Accord is in many ways still uncertain of effective implementation. A number of cease-fire violations have been reported. The disengagement of forces is behind schedule. Check-points of rival factions are yet to be dismantled. Neighbouring States are feeling the pressures of large refugee populations.

I trust your meeting this morning will reflect a solid commitment to support the peace process in Liberia. I also look forward to the outcome of the technical discussions which you will hold this afternoon. It is my sincere hope that your exchange of information and ideas will lead to rapid and important action to support peace in Liberia.

This moment of opportunity must be grasped. In the words of the Fiftieth Anniversary Declaration, any "action to secure global peace, security and stability will be futile unless the economic and social needs of people are addressed". Today's Conference offers an opportunity to give proof to that action in Liberia.

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