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UN, Ecowas, NTGL Raise Crucial Issues On Liberia

The Inquirer (Monrovia)
NEWS
September 24, 2004
Posted to the web September 24, 2004

The United Nations (UN), the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS),
and the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL), have raised a
number of concerns relative to the Liberian peace process.
The three bodies released their respective positions on a number of crucial
issues relating to the Liberian peace process during the first meeting of the
Coordination Mechanism held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on
September 20th.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the three bodies recognized
the many formidable challenges that lie ahead, stressing that a very pressing
challenge is the lack of adequate funding for the reintegration and
rehabilitation of ex-combatants as well as the return of refugees and the
resettlement of internally displaced persons(IDPs).
The meeting noted that any delay in the reintegration and resettlement of the
internally displaced persons (IDPs) would impede recovery efforts including the
efforts to rebuild the communities outside Monrovia, something which the three
groups said is highly necessary so that demobilized combatants can be
reintegrated.
The communiqué further noted with concern that such delays may affect the
timetable for the reintegration of voters for the upcoming 2005 October
elections, the preparation of which they said should be based on realistic and
comprehensive benchmarks.
The three groups also expressed concern at the slow pace at which donor funds
to the country is being made for the country's reconstruction and recovery.
According to the communiqué, up to date, only the amount of US$3million has
been received from the US$520million pledged by donors during February's donor
conference on Liberia.
The meeting urged donors to contribute the necessary funds in a timely manner
for the reintegration of ex-combatants as well as the return of refugees and
the resettlement of IDPs.
They also called on the donors to disburse funds pledged to the country on an
urgent basis.
At the same time, the meeting resolved on the issue of calling on the NTGL to
demonstrate transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
The communiqué also said the meeting was concerned about the limited capacity
of the NTGL to deliver basic services to the population and the continuing
disputes over government posts which have made it difficult for the NTGL to
function effectively..
The meeting also expressed concern that the peace process continued to be
threatened by some members of the former armed factions who are not fully
committed to the peace implementation of the CPA but are rather continuing to
obstruct further progress. They called on the parties to put the interest of
the nation first, above their personal interest and reaffirm their commitment
to the peace process.

   

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