PRESS STATEMENT ON LIBERIA BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON LIBERIA BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is the statement to the press on Liberia, delivered today by Security Council President Mamady Traoré (Guinea):

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing from the Secretary-General’s Representative in Monrovia, Abou Moussa.  They were deeply concerned at the humanitarian situation in Liberia and called on the Government and the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD)to stop abuses of human rights and to give unrestricted access to humanitarian organizations.

Council members welcomed the conclusions of the international contact group on Liberia held on 28 February.

Council members encouraged Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) efforts to facilitate ceasefire talks, especially the suggestion of a meeting in Mali on 10 March.  They urged the Liberian Government and LURD to participate constructively.

Council members called upon all States in the region to refrain from any interference in the affairs of their neighbours, particularly through the movement of arms or mercenaries.

Council members recalled the necessity of carrying out a mission to the subregion during the first half of 2003.

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