SECRETARY-GENERAL ALARMED AT IMPACT OF FIGHTING IN LIBERIA

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

The Secretary-General is alarmed at the severe impact which intensified fighting between rebels and government forces in Liberia is having on Monrovia’s 1 million inhabitants.

Clashes on the western outskirts of Monrovia have caused the majority of an estimated 100,000 displaced people in camps there to flee for their safety.  Thousands have moved to the central and eastern parts of the capital.  Before fighting erupted around Monrovia on 5 June, humanitarian workers had access to barely 30 per cent of Liberia.  Today, virtually none of Liberia’s more than 3 million people, already traumatized by years of war and abject poverty, will be able to receive emergency relief assistance.

The Secretary-General calls on the parties to the conflict to take all necessary measures to ensure that civilians are not targeted and are spared the effects of war.  He also calls on them to prevent looting of humanitarian assets and property.  Finally, he reminds them that perpetrators of international humanitarian and human rights law violations, which have been far too common in Liberia, will be held accountable for their acts.

* *** *