SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN AT TENSION, CLASHES ON GUINEA-LIBERIA, GUINEA-SIERRA LEONE BORDERS

Press Release
SG/SM/7545

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN AT TENSION, CLASHES ON GUINEA-LIBERIA, GUINEA-SIERRA LEONE BORDERS

The following statement was issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General has been following with concern the mounting tension between Guinea and Liberia following armed clashes along their common border, as well as reported clashes along the Guinea-Sierra Leone border. He is distressed at the loss of life and injuries sustained by innocent villagers.

The Secretary-General urges the Presidents of Guinea and Liberia to refrain from any action that might aggravate the situation. He also calls on them to fully support the efforts of the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Konaré of Mali, to reduce tension and restore peace and security between the two countries.

The Secretary-General is grateful to the Government of Guinea for continuing to extend its generous hospitality to refugees from Liberia and Sierra Leone and urges the refugees to respect their obligations towards the host country.

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