SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE IN LIBERIA, ASKS PARTIES TO 'RETURN MONROVIA TO SAFE HAVEN'

6 May 1996

Press Release
SC/6217

SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE IN LIBERIA, ASKS PARTIES TO 'RETURN MONROVIA TO SAFE HAVEN'

19960506 Presidential Statement Expresses Grave Concern At Deteriorating Situation, Deplores Wanton Killings and Atrocities

The Security Council this evening called upon parties in Liberia to immediately cease fire and to return Monrovia to a safe haven under the protection of the Military Observer Group of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOMOG).

In a statement read out by its President, Qin Huasun (China), the Council expressed once again grave concern at the deteriorating situation in Liberia, and deplored the wanton killing and atrocities committed against innocent civilians by the warring factions.

The Council expressed regret that the deterioration of the situation had forced the evacuation of personnel of the United Nations Observer Missionin Liberia, and reminded all States of their obligation to comply with the embargo on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment to Liberia imposed by its resolution 788 (1992).

Text of Presidential Statement

The statement, to be issued as document S/PRST/1996/22, reads as follows:

"The Security Council expresses once again its grave concern at the deteriorating situation in Liberia. The Council strongly deplores the wanton killing and atrocities committed against innocent civilians by the forces of the warring factions. The escalating violence among the factions in violation of the Abuja Agreement puts the peace process at grave risk.

"The Security Council calls upon the parties immediately to cease fighting, to observe the cease-fire and to return Monrovia to a safe haven under the protection of the Military Observer Group of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOMOG). It expresses its support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including the role of ECOMOG, to bring this conflict to an end.

Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6217 3661st Meeting (Night) 6 May 1996

"The Security Council regrets that the deterioration of the situation in Liberia has forced the evacuation of significant numbers of personnel of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia. The Council reminds all States of their obligation to comply with the embargo on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment to Liberia imposed by resolution 788 (1992).

"The Security Council stresses the importance it attaches to the ECOWAS Summit meeting to be held in Accra on 8 May 1996 and urges the leaders of the Liberian factions to reaffirm by concrete positive actions their commitment to the Abuja Agreement."

The meeting, which was called to order at 6:45 p.m., was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

* *** *