SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED ABOUT NEGATIVE IMPACT OF FIGHTING IN LIBERIA

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED ABOUT NEGATIVE IMPACT OF FIGHTING IN LIBERIA

Following is the text of a statement issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General has been following the recent upsurge in fighting between Liberian Government forces and armed elements in the north-western part of the country.

The Secretary-General is troubled that innocent Liberian civilians, mostly women and children, have once again been forced to flee their homes in search of safety and relief, while others are trapped in areas where they cannot be easily reached by humanitarian agencies, and therefore cannot be assisted or protected.  He calls on the concerned parties to allow unhindered access by humanitarian agencies to those in need.

The Secretary-General remains concerned about the negative impact the fighting is having on prospects for peace and stability in Liberia and its Mano River Union neighbours, Guinea and Sierra Leone.  The Secretary-General calls on those involved in fighting to eschew violence as a means of achieving their objectives.

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