SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED BY UPSURGE OF FIGHTING IN LIBERIA; APPEALS FOR HALT TO VIOLENCE, DIALOGUE

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED BY UPSURGE OF FIGHTING IN LIBERIA;

APPEALS FOR HALT TO VIOLENCE, DIALOGUE

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

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the recent upsurge of fighting in Liberia.  It can only bring more suffering to innocent people who have yet to recover from the desolation caused by previous wars.

He reiterates his appeal to all parties to eschew violence and resolve their differences through dialogue

The Secretary General welcomes the efforts of the Government of Liberia to ensure the safety of civilians and secure access for relief workers.  He calls on all the dissident forces to respect human life and particularly the lives of civilians caught in areas affected by the fighting.

The Secretary-General is also concerned about the possible impact this renewed fighting and its humanitarian consequences might have on the stability of Liberia and on an already fragile subregion.  He calls on all the States concerned to take appropriate action to prevent armed groups and individuals from using their territory to prepare and launch attacks on neighboring countries.

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