28/08/2003

UN 'reaffirms readiness' to send stabilisation force into Liberia

The UN Security Council has "reaffirmed its readiness" to establish a UN stabilization force to support Liberia's political transition.

Following a ministerial-level open briefing by senior officials of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), the Security Council welcomed the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement reached on 18 August by Liberia's government and rebel groups. All parties have now been urged to "fully respect the ceasefire" and to fully implement all of their commitments under that accord.

In a statement read by the Council's President, Deputy Permanent Representative Fayssal Mekdad of Syria, the 15-nation body highlighted the establishment of a Joint Monitoring Committee - one of the main objectives under the Accra Agreement - as "a critical aspect of the peace process."

Expressing its ongoing concern over the situation, particularly the "dire humanitarian situation of much of the Liberian population", the Council also called on all parties to allow full, secure and unimpeded access for humanitarian agencies and personnel.

The Council stressed the need to create a secure environment, which enabled respect for human rights, including the wellbeing and rehabilitation of children, especially child combatants, protected the wellbeing of civilians, and supported the humanitarian workers.

(gmcg)

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