SECRETARY-GENERAL OUTRAGED BY CONTINUED HIGH RATE

OF CIVILIAN CASUALTIES IN MONROVIA, LIBERIA

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

The Secretary-General is outraged at the continued high incidence of civilian casualties in and around Monrovia, as the result of indiscriminate shelling.

He joins others in demanding that all concerned respect the ceasefire agreed to in Accra.  It is imperative that the siege of Monrovia be lifted, so that desperately-needed humanitarian relief can be brought in, peacekeepers can be quickly deployed and President Charles Taylor can depart.

The Secretary-General reminds those who continue to wage war in Liberia and to use means that cause so much suffering to the civilian population that they will be held individually accountable for any war crimes they commit.  By their reckless and criminal behaviour, they are disqualifying themselves from any leadership role in the future of their country.

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