SECRETARY-GENERAL APPEALS FOR RESOURCES TO RESPOND TO VITAL NEEDS OF DISPLACED, VULNERABLE PERSONS IN LIBERIA

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPEALS FOR RESOURCES TO RESPOND TO VITAL NEEDS

OF DISPLACED, VULNERABLE PERSONS IN LIBERIA

Condemns Attempts by Armed Factions to Take Power by Force

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

The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed by the human suffering caused by the precarious situation in Liberia.  He is also concerned about the implications that this might have for the Mano River Union subregion.  Recent fighting in Bong County and reports of rebel activity in the vicinity of the capital Monrovia have raised grave concerns about the well-being of a large number of civilians, many of whom are being forced to flee their homes.  The Secretary-General is also concerned for the safety of United Nations and non-governmental humanitarian workers, some of whom were forced to evacuate the town of Gbarnga and its environs on 9 May.

The Secretary-General condemns all attempts by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy and any other armed factions to take power by force.  He urges the Liberian parties concerned to resort to dialogue to address their grievances and in this regard, supports the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and others to make this dialogue possible.  The Secretary-General further reiterates his call on all States in the region not to allow their territories to be used to commit acts of aggression against neighbouring countries.

The Secretary-General appeals to the international community to urgently provide adequate resources to relief agencies, to enable them to respond to vital needs of the rising number of internally displaced persons and other vulnerable Liberians.

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