Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:59 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current political position in Liberia; and his views on the best way in which to encourage a peaceful resolution. [30221/03]
Vol. 577 No. 1
59 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current political position in Liberia; and his views on the best way in which to encourage a peaceful resolution. [30221/03]
Under the terms of the comprehensive peace agreement that was brokered commendably by the regional organisation, the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, on 18 August 2003, and which has been endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, Mr. Gyude Bryant will serve as chairman of the transitional Government until parliamentary and presidential elections are held before the end of 2005. On taking office, Mr. Bryant pledged to introduce transparency in government and respect for human rights. The process of selecting members of the transitional Government and legislative assembly is ongoing. The Irish Government was represented at the inauguration of the Liberian transitional government in Monrovia on October 14 by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt.
The United Nations Mission in Liberia, or UNMIL, was established on 19 September 2003 under UN Security Council Resolution 1509 for a period of one year. Under the resolution, UNMIL is mandated, inter alia, to observe and monitor the comprehensive ceasefire agreement, to protect, within its capabilities, civilians under imminent threat of violence, to support the provision of humanitarian assistance, to help promote human rights, and to support generally the implementation of the peace process.
Despite recent improvements in the security situation in UN-controlled areas and progress in the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement, the peace process remains fragile. Monrovia is now a weapons free zone, but the situation is less stable in other areas. Sporadic outbreaks of fighting in rebel strongholds highlight the need for a comprehensive process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration. The disarmament campaign was formally launched by the UN on 1 December.