wfn.org | All Africa Conference of Churches on Liberia Peace Talks

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

June 16, 2003

NOTE TO EDITORS

Liberian Peace Talks

Concerned about the on going sufferings of the people of Liberia, the All
Africa Conference of Churches has sent an open letter to all participants of
the Liberian peace talks.

Liberia is one of 39 African countries where AACCs 169 national member
churches and national Christian councils are to be found.

For further information contact

Mitch Odero

AACC Executive Secretary

Information Desk

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-	    ECOWAS President

	     His Excellency President John Agyekum Kufuor

	     President of Ghana

-	    Chairman, ECOWAS Mediation Committee

	     General Abubakar

-	    His Excellency President Charles Taylor

	     President of the Republic of Liberia

-	    Chairman

	     Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy

-	    Chairman

	     Movement for Democracy in Liberia

REF: LIBERIAN PEACE TALKS

We wish to express our unshaken support to the ECOWAS Mediation Committee
currently meeting in Akosombo, Ghana, determined to find realistic solutions
to the protracted conflicts in Liberia.

This meeting is both significant and timely.  For over two decades, Liberians
have not known peace.  The theatre of war has prevailed causing deaths of
thousands upon thousands of innocent Liberians on the mere basis of suspected
political allegiance.

We have noted that of late the conflicts have intensified with increased
hostilities while vulnerable populations continue to be tortured, displaced,
mutilated and killed.  This has to stop.  The hope of the All Africa
Conference of Churches and its 169 member national churches and that of
Africa
as well as the international community is placed on the ECOWAS Mediation
Committee for a peaceful Liberia.  The success of this meeting will not only
usher in a new era of sustained peace in Liberia but will also save lives of
thousands, particularly the vulnerable victims of power struggles.

The Liberian conflicts have had their regional dimensions too.	Peace in
Liberia will no doubt translate into peace in the sub-region.  The
neighbouring Ivory Coast and members of the Mano River Union namely Guinea
and
Sierra Leone have been adversely affected politically, socially and
economically by the protracted conflicts in Liberia.  They therefore also
need
to be helped in their reconstruction endeavours.

We on our part, will continue to pray for the meeting and for Liberians so
that the Almighty God, gives you and Liberians the wisdom, courage and a good
measure of understanding to address the exacting challenges facing
participants of this important meeting.

We therefore, appeal to you to take the following proposals into serious
consideration:-

1.		    That the warring parties agree on an armistice which
should ensure suspension of all hostilities and a declaration of a ceasefire.

2.		    That the African Union (AU) and the United Nations
provide
both peace keeping and peace enforcement forces.  Experience has shown that
without them an armistice agreement will not hold.

3.		    That the ECOWAS Mediation Committee ensures that a
clearly
defined and binding peace process is designed and agreed upon by all the
warring parties. Such agreement should be signed by the warring parties
before
the meeting ends.

4.		    That the said peace agreement should include the
formation
of a transitional government with clearly defined actors and their
responsibilities.  The life span of the transitional government must be
time-bound.

5.		    That the Mediation Committee should establish a
monitoring
and supervision mechanism to ensure the implementation of all the signed
agreements.

6.		    That as the new era of peace dawns on Liberia, Liberias
neighbours should also be supported to establish harmonious neighbourliness
and healthy cross-border relations.  Accordingly, all the neighbouring
countries should refrain from harbouring combatants from their respective
nations.

We pray that the divine mission of God and the Spirit of love will prevail
during the meeting in Liberia and throughout the sub-region.

Yours sincerely,

Melaku Kifle

AACC Interim General Secretary

Cc	Chairman Africa Union

	   His Excellency President Thabo Mbeki

	   President of the Republic of South Africa

	   General Secretary, United Nations

	   Mr. Kofi Anan

	   General Secretary, World Council of Churches

	   Rev. Dr. Konrad Raiser

	   AACC Member Churches

	   General Secretary Liberian Council of Churches

	   General Secretary FECCIWA

	   NCCs Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea

	   Ecumenical Partners