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.
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