YouSaid · the spoken record

Bull

lines on the record: 98
first: 1993-09-22
most recent: 1997-03-27
sittings or episodes: 10
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“At this time of great opportunity for peace and the rebirth of the Liberian nation, my delegation hopes that it can continue to count on the goodwill and support of all Members States of this Organization.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“By the grace of the Almighty, when the Security Council reconvenes again, on or before 30 June 1997, to consider the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL), it will be under happier circumstances, since a duly elected Government will have been installed in Liberia. All Liberians have this expectation, and the States members of the Economic Community of West African States, under the leadership of President Sani Abacha of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as States Members of the United Nations, should also take particular pride, for their contributions and unflinching support will have ensured its realization.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“In this connection, the Secretary-General's basic framework for the holding of elections in Liberia - agreed to by the Liberian parties and the Economic Community of West African States - is the fundamental requirement for sustainable peace in Liberia. Its full implementation will allow the Liberian people to select their own leaders under conditions which must be declared by all, including the international community, as being free and fair. This is why the Liberian delegation fully supports the adoption of the draft resolution now before the Council and joins in the appeal to the international community to lend its unqualified support to the implementation of the electoral framework.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“Ruth Sando Perry, along with civil society, are fully committed to the restoration of peace and the rule of law in Liberia. Even though some outstanding issues, such as a reconstituted Elections Commission and Supreme Court, have not been fully resolved, they must not be viewed as insurmountable problems. The long-suffering Liberian people have sacrificed much to ensure the irreversibility of the peace process, and will not permit anything or anyone to perpetuate their suffering. However, they are also mindful that, in the final analysis, durable peace can be guaranteed only if the electoral process is credible and acceptable to the vast majority.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“Secondly, the substantial number of eligible voters who are currently residing as refugees in neighbouring countries must be assisted to return home prior to the elections. Resources are required for their voluntary repatriation. Thirdly, ECOMOG requires additional technical support, especially medical supplies, spare parts and anti-riot equipment. Fourthly, assistance is required for the restructuring of the Liberian armed forces and paramilitary units in view of the intention of ECOWAS to withdraw its Monitoring Group from Liberia six months after the elections. The Liberian delegation urgently appeals for these requirements to be met so that the peace process is not prevented from achieving its desired end: the restoration of democratic governance in Liberia. The Council of State and its Chairperson, Mrs.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“This pioneering effort by a subregion has made manifest Chapter VIII of the Charter and has demonstrated that, with the requisite political will, countries can act decisively in bringing some of the noble objectives of the Charter to fruition. To each of these States and organizations, we say thank you. The Secretary-General's report outlines the assistance required from the international community in order to make the 30 May date for the holding of democratic elections a reality. First, resources must be provided for the deployment of three additional battalions to the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). This would allow ECOMOG to be deployed throughout the country, which is a prerequisite to ensure freedom of movement, freedom of expression and voter participation free of intimidation.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“It can truly be said that while Liberia is an old country - nearly 150 years old- the seed that will be sown on 30 May will hopefully lead to the building of a new nation after many decades of struggle to redress past injustices and to develop a national identity and universal recognition among Liberians of their common destiny. This encouraging state of affairs is directly attributable to the States members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Not only did their nationals shed their blood, but those States expended vast financial resources to help make peace in Liberia. It is due also to the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity and the widespread international support which now exists for the ECOWAS peace initiative.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“The report, one of the most important to come before this Council since the commencement of the civil crisis over seven years ago, offers hope for a new beginning - a rebirth of the Liberian nation. According to the report, in approximately 64 days from now, free and fair democratic elections are scheduled to be held in Liberia, to be followed 15 days later by the inauguration of a new Government. This significant achievement will bring to an end a very sad and painful chapter in the country's history. On 26 July - approximately 120 days from now - Liberia will be observing its sesquicentenary as a free, sovereign and independent State. This is therefore a time of great promise for Liberia.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“The delegation of Liberia would like to thank the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan, for his twenty-second progress report on the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia, contained in document S/1997/237 of 19 March 1997. The Liberian Government and the Liberian people commend him for the dynamism he has brought to his new assignment and for his personal initiatives in support of the Liberian peace process. His convening, at United Nations Headquarters, on 20 February 1997, of the second Ministerial Meeting of the ad hoc Special Conference to Support the Peace Process in Liberia attests to his continuing commitment to peace in Liberia, for which we are profoundly grateful.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“A little over six years ago, this Council issued its first statement on the situation in Liberia. At that time, the Liberian delegation regretted that the Security Council had waited over a year to take action on an earlier request for United Nations intervention. That delay was due, in part, to the Charter's provision which bars involvement in the internal affairs of Member States. My delegation called for a review of that Charter provision so that the Organization could effectively respond to conflict situations which entailed the Violation of fundamental human rights or required United Nations intervention on humanitarian grounds. Today, thanks to the proactive role of the United Nations in conflict resolution, the Liberian conflict, and others like it, are receiving the deserved attention of this Organization.”
1997-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3757 (1997) · source
“As the security situation continues to improve in the country, the Liberian delegation appeals to governmental and non-governmental organizations to resume fully their activities in Liberia, activities which are so vital to the humanitarian needs of the people and the revival of development activities in the country. We endorse the draft resolution on Liberia now before the Security Council and join in its appeal to Member States to comply fully with the arms embargo on Liberia. The United Nations has been involved in the peace process since the commencement of the civil crisis in Liberia. In spite of the setbacks, we must not allow ourselves to be discouraged. Liberians have the faith and the determination, as recent developments confirm, that the path ahead will ultimately lead to the restoration of peace and democracy in Liberia.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“Would total disarmament not ensure that those bearing arms after the completion of the process were doing so illegally, thereby ensuring accountability and restoration of civil society and the rule of law? It is important to emphasize that these laudable objectives cannot be achieved without the support of the international community. On behalf of the Liberian Government and people, I appeal to all Member States to contribute generously to the Trust Fund for Liberia. We thank all the countries which have made contributions to this important effort. The Liberian people, who have been deprived of their rights for so long, are depending on the Security Council to take the lead in supporting the efforts of ECOWAS to achieve peaceful change in Liberia.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“Due to the adverse effects which the civil war has had on all Liberians, the people will not accept any leadership which attains political power by fraudulent means. This is why the international community must help support the disarmament and electoral processes as means of ensuring permanent peace in Liberia. The total disarmament of combatants will prevent intimidation of the electorate, build confidence and facilitate national reconciliation and reconstruction of the country. It is most unfortunate that those who have pledged to honor the terms of the Abuja Agreement which, inter alia, requires the disarmament of combatants, would oppose rather than support the process in its entirety, since it is widely seen as a precondition for durable peace. Would opposition to total disarmament not imply some hidden agenda?”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“Foremost among these is the need for assistance to ECOMOG to facilitate its deployment throughout the country, leading to the encampment, disarmament and demobilization of combatants and their reintegration into civil society. Concomitantly, Liberian refugees would be repatriated and resettled and pilot programmes undertaken to rehabilitate combatants. The army and paramilitary organizations would be reorganized and preparations for elections undertaken by a reconstituted and independent Elections Commission. As regards elections in Liberia, it is imperative that they be preceded by the complete disarmament of combatants. It is important to stress the need for the electoral process to be internationally supervised and declared to be free and fair.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“The lack of support from the international community following the signing of the Abuja Agreement in August 1995 prevented ECOMOG from deploying throughout the country as called for by the timetable formulated by the parties. The tragic developments which ensued in Liberia as a result of this deficiency are well known to the international community. It is therefore the prayerful hope of the Liberian people that these negative developments will not be allowed to reoccur because of lack of support for ECOWAS. It is clear that there are urgent needs which must be quickly satisfied in order to advance the peace process in Liberia.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“This praiseworthy effort is deeply appreciated by the Liberian people and deserves greater support from the United Nations. In this connection, the Liberian delegation would like to re-emphasize the urgent need for the United Nations to ensure that there is a mechanism whereby subregional and regional peace-keeping operations undertaken with the approval of the Security Council receive the requisite support. In order to build on the recent positive developments in the peace process, ECOMOG must be fully supported. In keeping with recent decisions, ECOMOG has to increase its troop strength to 18,000, and an estimated $132 million is required to assist ECOMOG to implement its mandate.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“Indeed, since the signing of the Agreement on 17 August 1996, the faction leaders have publicly pledged their total commitment to peace and are taking measures, including the dismantling of checkpoints and the partial disarming of some of their forces, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement. While these are encouraging developments, nothing short of their full compliance with the terms of the Agreement will lead to durable peace. It is well known that since the commencement of the civil crisis, the member States of ECOWAS have continued to make substantial sacrifices in pursuit of peace in Liberia. While the ECOWAS peace initiative has experienced some financial and administrative problems, it nevertheless represents a pioneering effort to bring to fruition Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“It was civilian groups which advocated a change in the chairmanship of the Council of State, leading to the selection of Mrs. Ruth Perry, former Senator of Grand Cape Mount county and the first female to assume the highest post in government since the country's independence 149 years ago. She is expected to be formally inaugurated in Monrovia on Tuesday, 3 September 1996. These developments make us confident that if internal and external pressures are maintained on the present leadership, the faction leaders will realize that it is in their best interest to implement, without further delay, the provisions of the Abuja Agreement.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“Thirdly, the ECOWAS member States have taken concerted action on several important issues: the Abuja Agreement has been extended until 15 June 1997 and a new timetable formulated for its implementation; other member States in the subregion - Mali, Gambia, Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire - have decided to deploy troops or personnel to Liberia. Moreover, there is a new resolve by the ECOWAS countries, under the leadership of its current Chairman, President Sani Abacha of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to remain fully engaged in the resolution of the Liberian conflict. Fourthly, the re-emergence of civil society in the peace process reflects the determination of the civilian majority to actively participate in decisions affecting them.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“First, the Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) adopted a resolution during their annual meeting, held in Yaounde, on 8-10 July 1996, which threatened the faction leaders with punitive measures, including the imposition of sanctions against them and the possibility of establishing a war crimes tribunal for Liberia. This OAU resolve was reinforced at the subregional level by the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States during their Summits held in Abuja on 26-27 July 1996 and 17 August 1996. Secondly, the resumption of armed hostilities in April and the inability of any warring faction to overwhelm another, even with the non-intervention of the ECOWAS Cease-fire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), has clearly demonstrated that there cannot be any victor in the war.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“Since the signing of the revised Abuja Agreement, which incorporates far-reaching decisions, including a new timetable for encampment, disarmament and reintegration of combatants and the holding of democratic elections by 30 May 1997, the leaders of the warring factions have pledged anew their commitment to the implementation of the revised Agreement. To be sure, the repeated failure of the warring factions to honour more than 12 previous agreements has raised reasonable doubts about their sincerity and commitment to these new undertakings. Nevertheless, the delegation of Liberia believes that several recent developments have increased the prospects for a peaceful transition in Liberia.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“The Council will shortly take action on the Secretary-General's recommendations outlined in his eighteenth progress report on the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia, contained in document S/1996/684 of 22 August 1996. Permit me to thank the Secretary- General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, for the report and for his continued commitment to the quest for lasting peace in Liberia. The outbreak of hostilities in Liberia last April was a serious setback to the peace process. Today, the renewed hope in the continuing progress and viability of the Abuja Accord is due to the commendable efforts of the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other national, regional and international actors who worked tirelessly over the past four months to prevent the country's slide into a state of anarchy.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“As you end your presidency of the Council for this month, Sir, I should like, on behalf of the delegation of Liberia, to warmly congratulate you on having so skilfully carried out the responsibilities entrusted to you. We particularly applaud your recent initiative in convening a formal meeting to discuss the issue of demining in the context of United Nations peace- keeping. This matter is of vital importance to the reconstruction efforts of countries which have been ravaged by war, such as Liberia. My delegation also extends its appreciation to your distinguished predecessor, the Ambassador of France, for the able manner in which he guided the Council's work last month.”
1996-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3694 (1996) · source
“When approximately half of a country's population have fled conditions of terror and utter deprivation, in which they fear for their lives, and those remaining in the country are subjected to a continuing military offensive on a nearly daily basis, it is a moral imperative that men of goodwill act to bring relief. It was the same moral imperative that led to the birth of the United Nations and today forms the raison d'etre of this Organization. As the United Nations has taken decisive actions in other conflict situations which are not dissimilar to that of Liberia, we appeal to the prime movers of the United Nations to employ their finer human instincts to rescue Liberia.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“Furthermore, they ardently believe that only a democratically elected leadership can ensure their freedom and protection so that they may be able to enjoy their God- given rights to liberty and the pursuit of happiness, as provided for in the Liberian Constitution. On behalf of the Liberian people, I wish to register our heartfelt thanks to all friendly Governments, donor agencies and humanitarian organizations that continued to render assistance to our people in their hour of need. We also express our regrets for the suffering and losses which they have sustained as a result of the recent resumption of fighting in Liberia. What has unfolded in Liberia is a human tragedy.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“They have demanded an immediate end to the present hostilities and have expressed the View that, in a gun-free environment, Liberians have the political will and the capability to determine their own destiny without fear or intimidation. The Liberian people have called for enabling conditions wherein combatants are disarmed, demobilized and reintegrated into civil society and wherein their compatriots residing abroad as refugees can be repatriated and free and fair elections under international supervision can be organized so that everyone, including military leaders, can freely participate in the election of the country's leaders.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“As envisaged by the Secretary General, ECOMOG could be incorporated into the larger force. This arrangement would eliminate the logistical and financial deficiencies which have continued to prevent ECOMOG from carrying out its mandate. Furthermore, it would ensure the active engagement of the United Nations in the resolution of the Liberian conflict. Since the outbreak of fighting on 6 April, Liberians throughout the United States have held public demonstrations and have joined in support of the sentiments expressed by the overwhelming majority of Liberians at home and abroad by presenting petitions to the United Nations and to the United States and other friendly Governments.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“In this connection, as the situation in Liberia remains grave in View of the continuation of the fighting, we appeal to the Chairman of ECOWAS, President Jerry Rawlings, again to consider convening the summit by next month. It is also imperative in View of the growing uncertainty regarding the continuing role of ECOMOG in Liberia that the country not be abandoned. Indeed, it is necessary to take a fresh look at earlier proposals regarding an enhanced role for the United Nations in the peace process. We therefore commend to the Security Council, and endorse, the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's ninth progress report on UNOMIL, particularly his proposal that consideration be given to the deployment of a United Nations peace-keeping force in Liberia.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“If the pioneering effort by ECOWAS is to bring to fruition the Charter provision encouraging subregional initiatives in the pacific settlement of disputes, the principal flaw in this provision, in our View, needs to be corrected. The Charter must be amended to ensure that a mechanism is put in place whereby any subregional peace-keeping operation sanctioned by the Security Council is financed by the United Nations. Regrettably, the ECOWAS countries have threatened that, because of the apparent lack of political will on the part of the leaders of the warring factions and the lack of support from the international community, they may be forced to withdraw from Liberia. As the Secretary- General notes in his report, a decision will be taken by the ECOWAS leaders during their summit, scheduled to be held in early August.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“The Council of State has given indications that it will abide by the recommendations adopted by the ECOWAS ministerial Committee of Nine. It is important to observe that a crucial element in this exercise is the strengthening of ECOMOG in order that its mandate under the Abuja Agreement can be carried out. Again, we wish to appeal to the international community for logistical and other support for ECOMOG. While some may have reservations about its viability as a peace-keeping force, it must not be forgotten that ECOMOG took on a responsibility that should have been shouldered by the United Nations. As the United Nations has relied on ECOMOG to provide security to UNOMIL, their respective functions are complementary. UNOMiL and ECOMOG are engaged in a collaborative effort, which will bear fruit only when the requisite support is given.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“No doubt, this unconscionable quest has defined the duplicity and ambivalence in certain quarters regarding the Liberian crisis. Hence, there is the need for a potent, coordinated and harmonized response from the key actors involved in finding an end to the war. Along with the rest of the international community, Liberians are appealing to the Council of State to end the hostilities in the shortest time. It is recalled that, since the outbreak of the fighting, diplomatic efforts by ECOWAS, the United Nations, the OAU and friendly Governments have sought to nudge the Council of State to move in the direction of cessation of hostilities, the institution of a lasting cease-fire, the withdrawal of the fighting forces from Monrovia and the deployment of ECOMOG in the city, among other goals.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“In spite of the arms embargo imposed by the Security Council, guns and other weapons of destruction continue to enter the country, thus maintaining the war machine of the warring factions. In this respect, we urge the Security Council to demand strict compliance with the embargo, and to put in place penalties against all known Violators. Moreover, we propose that a sanctions regime be considered against those who aid and abet the war effort of the various warring factions. Here, particular reference is made to those multinational corporations whose untamed propensity for acquiring from the warring factions Liberia's rich mineral deposits and timber far below fair market value without benefit to the Liberian people has helped to prolong the war.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“Permit me to register the heartfelt appreciation of the Liberian people to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and his collaborators, to the Secretary-General of the OAU and to those Governments, particularly those of the European Community and the United States, and governmental and non-governmental organizations which appealed for and urged the acceptance of the refugees and provided assistance for their immediate resettlement. We also thank the Governments which agreed to host the recent refugees. Liberians bemoan the fact that their compatriots entrusted to lead the country out of the fratricidal conflict appear to have become numb to the misery and suffering, the humiliation and mockery before the global audience.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“Liberia - a country which for over 130 years enjoyed peace and stability as a free, sovereign and independent State and, in the words of one African leader, served as "a beacon of hope to the rest of colonized Africa that Africans are capable of self-governance" - appears as a pariah nation whose citizens, fleeing a war in chartered vessels, had to travel from port to port while appeals were made that countries should honour their international legal obligation to grant asylum to Liberians seeking refuge from war, as was their unfortunate plight.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“As a result, there is a breakdown of law and order, and the Council of State is unable to function, since some of its members have left the country and have not returned home because their safety cannot be guaranteed. The same is true for most of the personnel of the United Nations and non-governmental organizations. The plight of the Liberian people remains even more precarious, for they continue to be the innocent victims of the war, under siege at home and, regrettably, scorned abroad. The recent report of Liberians fleeing the country, which received widespread international media attention, is a sad commentary on the country's present state of affairs.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“Today, Liberia appears to be no closer to peace than it was when the war commenced in December 1989. The Abuja Agreement, which called for the disarmament and demobilization of combatants and their reintegration into civil society, the repatriation of Liberian refugees and the holding of free and fair elections in August 1996 under international supervision, remains largely unimplemented. The resumption of hostilities on 6 April, as noted in the report of the Secretary-General, is, unfortunately, continuing. The cease-fire and other measures called for by the ECOWAS ministerial meeting of the Committee of Nine held in Accra on 7 and 8 May 1996 have not been honoured.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“The installation of the Council of State on 1 September 1995 raised the hopes of the Liberian people and the international community that the peace process had a better chance of succeeding, after several years of fratricidal war which had resulted in the injury or death of over 300,000 people, the devastation of the economy and the fragile infrastructure, the forced departure from the country of nearly a million Liberians and the internal displacement of the remaining population. I have revisited the early beginnings of the quest for peace in Liberia principally to draw attention to the fact that Liberians have made strenuous, painstaking efforts to achieve peace and rid the country of the siege mentality. Regrettably, the events which preceded the eruption of the present hostilities have proved that the reverse has happened.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“The restructured Council of State, by including more military and factional leaders, had the effect of sidelining the civilian members. This caused an outcry among Liberians at home and abroad that the Akosombo Agreement was an attempt to appease the factional leaders. The Accra Agreement, signed on 21 December 1994, sought to clarify the Akosombo Agreement, but it failed to settle the issue of the composition of the Council of State. It was due to this stalemate that the Abuja meeting was convened. The Abuja Agreement finally addressed the composition of the Council of State, which was now to include a civilian Chairman, the heads of the three main warring factions and two other civilians, thus balancing the representation.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“The agreement was signed by all of the parties at Cotonou, Benin, on 25 July 1993. The Cotonou Agreement produced the first Council of State of the Liberian National Transitional Government, which was installed in 1994. Delays in promised assistance to an expanded ECOMOG, coupled with the unwillingness of the warring parties to honour the understanding reached, hampered the full implementation of the Cotonou Agreement. As the peace process suffered further setbacks, negotiations were undertaken by the Chairman of ECOWAS, President Jerry J. Rawlings of the Republic of Ghana. His efforts led to the signing of the Akosombo Agreement. At issue was the fact that the Agreement did not adequately address the key question of disarmament, but, rather, called for the reconfiguration of the Council of State.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“Consequently, the military stand-off between the warring factions resulted in a stalemate in the peace process. Numerous efforts were made subsequently to revive the peace process. Through joint diplomatic initiatives of the United Nations, the OAU and ECOWAS, an agreement between the warring factions and the Interim Government was signed at Geneva in July 1993 it called, inter alia, for a collective executive leadership or a Council of State composed of representatives from the three warring factions and two from civilian society. Other supportive mechanisms - an expanded ECOMOG, with additional troops drawn from non-ECOWAS States, and a United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia established by the Security Council - were designed to further advance the peace process.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“The ECOWAS peace plan which ensued called for an immediate cease-fire, the establishment of the cease-fire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), the formation of an Interim Government of National Unity to include the warring factions, political parties and various interest groups and the holding of free and fair elections within one year. In August 1990, ECOMOG was dispatched to Liberia to effect the cease-fire and provide a security blanket for Monrovia, Where the Interim Government was subsequently based to administer the affairs of the country and organize plans for elections and the return to civilian democratic rule. Nevertheless, these interim political arrangements did not seem to some of the warring parties to sufficiently address their concerns.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“Since the eruption of the Liberian civil war in December 1989, the Liberian people have traversed a tortuous path to seek a settlement through political accommodation and national reconciliation. It is to be recalled that prior to the intervention of the Economic Community of West African States the United Nations was requested to undertake mediation of the crisis. At that time the response was that the United Nations was prohibited by its Charter from intervening in matters that were basically within the domestic jurisdiction of a Member State. As the war degenerated into wanton destruction of life and property and forced the mass exodus of helpless civilians to sanctuary in neighbouring countries, ECOWAS created the Standing Mediation Committee, which was mandated to mediate the conflict.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“Indeed, his good judgement is reflected in his thoughtful recommendations to the Security Council, particularly that the United Nations should remain engaged in Liberia through the continuing presence in the country of its Observer Mission, the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL). The message, in my delegation's View, is clear. The Security Council and the international community must remain seized of the Liberian crisis until a durable solution is found. In this connection, we welcome, with appreciation, the seventeenth progress report of the Secretary-General on UNOMIL, document 8/1996/362 of 21 May 1996, which gives an account of the eruption of fighting in Monrovia on 6 April and proposes steps to be taken in support of the Abuja Agreement, now under serious strain.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“I am pleased to see you ably conducting the affairs of the Council for the month of May, Mr. President. And my delegation is particularly heartened by the attention given to the Liberian crisis, as the international community - the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations - endeavour to find a peaceful negotiated settlement. Allow me to extend, on behalf of the Liberian people, our abiding appreciation and thanks to the Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, for his compassion and empathy, which he has demonstrated towards their suffering wrought by over six years of war.”
1996-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3667 (1996) · source
“The Liberian people are determined to rebuild their lives, and they appeal for your assistance. Liberia will again become a respected and active Member of this Organization, whose sterling principles have continued to stand the test of time, as evidenced by our observance a few weeks ago of the historic fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations. The delegation of Liberia fully supports the draft resolution before the Council and requests its unanimous adoption. The Liberian delegation also regrets that the Council could not have adopted the draft resolution before today, given the importance of its full implementation to the peace process in Liberia.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“The Government and people of Liberia have now commenced the long but inevitable march towards the disarming and demobilization of combatants and their reintegration, the reconstruction of the country and its economy, the restoration of peace, reconciliation and democratic rule, and the holding of internationally supervised elections in August next year. Permit me to reiterate my Government's profound gratitude to all Member States of the Organization as well as to governmental and non-governmental organizations which have offered assistance to Liberia since the commencement of the civil crisis in December 1989. As the Liberian people resolutely march towards a better future, we need the continued support of the international community if our legitimate aspirations are to be realized.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“The report also identifies other areas of need in Liberia, including that for providing humanitarian assistance to victims, the repatriation of Liberian refugees and their resettlement, the demobilization and reintegration of combatants into civil society, and assistance to law enforcement and the judiciary as well as to the electoral process. The Secretary-General's recommendations on a new mandate and concept of operations for UNOMIL are fully endorsed by my Government. It is our firm belief that the implementation of the mandate will ensure more effective coordination between UNOMIL and ECOMOG as they discharge their respective duties.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“We also express our appreciation to his Special Representative, Ambassador Anthony Nyakyi, and to all of the relevant United Nations bodies which continue actively to provide invaluable assistance for the realization of peace in Liberia and in meeting the humanitarian needs of the many victims of the conflict. My delegation fully endorses the report of the Secretary-General, which reaffirms the urgent need for international support to assist the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its implementing arm, the ECOWAS cease-fire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), fully to achieve its mandate, without which the sustainability of the momentum in the peace process may be adversely affected.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“With regard to sustaining the momentum in the peace process, it is my delegation's firm belief that the support of the international community is indispensable and must complement the efforts of the Liberian people in order to facilitate the achievement of this important objective. In this connection we commend the Secretary- General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, for his thirteenth progress report on the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) in document S/l995/881 of 23 October 1995. We are grateful to him for his commitment to and support for the peace process.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source
“However, for the first time since the commencement of the conflict in 1989, the faction leaders have themselves taken on the responsibility of administering the affairs of Government by serving as members of the Council of State. The new leadership has publicly pledged its total commitment to the peace process and declared it to be irreversible. While deeds and not words alone will ultimately determine the outcome, we believe in the sincerity of the Liberian leaders, who have heard and should respect the clarion call of the Liberian people to end the senseless war and allow them to rebuild their lives in an environment of peace, democratic governance and the rule of law.”
1995-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3592 (1995) · source