Mediator condemns latest fighting in Liberia

Accra, July 20, GNA - The Mediator of the Liberian peace talks, General Adbulsalami Abubakar, has condemned the resurgence of fighting in Monrovia, a development that represents a flagrant violation of the June 17, 2003 ceasefire agreement signed in Accra by the government of Liberia United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) and the Movement of Democracy in Liberia (MODEL).

The Mediator wishes to remind the belligerents of their obligations under the ceasefire agreement and demands the immediate cessation of hostilities, as ECOWAS and the international community will not tolerate power obtained or maintained by unconstitutional means, according to a press statement released in Accra on Sunday by the ECOWAS Mediation Team. The Mediator wishes to draw the attention of the belligerents to the tragic consequences of the latest upsurge of hostilities on the peace process and the humanitarian situation in the country, particularly on innocent civilians.

The cessation of hostilities is crucial for the on-going peace talks in Accra, which have reached a critical stage with the parties close to signing a comprehensive peace agreement for resolving the country's crisis. The Mediator wishes to remind the belligerents that dialogue remains the only avenue for ensuring permanent peace in the country as has been demonstrated by the progress made since the beginning of the Accra peace talks, where all the country's stakeholders are represented.