Brian Lenihan
Question:39 Mr. Lenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether any initiative is proposed in regard to the conditions of disorder in Liberia. [14930/96]
Written Answers. - Liberian Initiative.
The Government remain deeply concerned about the continuing conflict in Liberia. We strongly supported the European Union Declaration on Liberia of 11 April. On that occasion, the EU expressed its firm conviction that the Abuja Accord signed in August 1995 provided the right framework for resolving the crisis. It called on the Liberian Council of State, National Transitional Government and factions to implement the accord and put the peace process back on track in order to avoid further deterioration in the situation and the violation of human rights. It also condemned the loss of human life and the harassment of civilians and humanitarian aid workers. The EU also make it clear that the Union will base its attitude towards Liberia on the concrete steps taken by all parties concerned to implement the Abuja Accord and to bring the conflict to an end.
The EU and other members of the international community have together identified three issues critical to securing peace in Liberia, namely, the need for all parties to return to the Abuja peace process, restoration of peace in the capital, Monrovia and the reinforcement of the West African Peacekeeping Force (ECOMOG).
The main focus of international efforts to achieve these and other objectives and to identify how the international community can positively influence the Liberian peace process, is the International Contact Group in Liberia. Established at the suggestion of the US, the Group was convened in Geneva on 26 April and consists of senior representatives of the United Nations whose UNOMIL observer mission continues to monitor the situation in Liberia the European Union, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, the Organisation of African Unity, the US and Canada. At its May meeting the group welcomed the Mechanism for Returning Liberia to the Abuja Agreement which was formulated by ECOWAS Committee of Nine in Accra on 8 May. It is reported that ECOWAS will examine the commitment and resolve shown by faction leaders to the Abuja process when it meets for its regular summit in Abjua this month.
As part of its efforts towards restoring the Abuja Accord process, the International Contact Group is endeavouring to strengthen the capacity of ECOMOG as a neutral and effective peacekeeping force. It has also called on all States, including those in West Africa, to take the necessary measures to comply with the 1992 UN Arms Embargo on Liberia and to bring violations to the attention of the relevant sanctions committee. The humanitarian problems of refugees (which were the subject of a separate EU Declaration on 13 May) displaced persons and human rights abuses which have arisen from the conflict are also being addressed.
The Government support the ongoing concerted efforts of the international community to restore the Abuja Accord process and thereby bring about an early and lasting resolution of the conflict in Liberia. To that end, both bilaterally and with our partners in the EU, we will continue to exert pressure on all parties to the conflict to engage in the peace process.