Arrangements Concluded for Taylor's Step-down: ECOWAS Leader

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, August 07, 2003

Arrangements Concluded for Taylor's Step-down: ECOWAS Leader

ECOWAS Executive Secretary Mohammed Chambas said in Abuja Wednesday that arrangements had been concluded for Liberian President Charles Taylor to hand over power to an interim government next Monday.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

ECOWAS Executive Secretary Mohammed Chambas said in Abuja Wednesday that arrangements had been concluded for Liberian President Charles Taylor to hand over power to an interim government next Monday.

"Taylor made an undertaking to abide by the Accra peace accord to relinquish power as soon as an interim government, devoid of forces loyal to the government or the rebel groups, is put in place," Chambas said.

He said the situation in Liberia had taken a dramatic turn for the worse in the last two weeks due to the violation of the ceasefire agreement by the Liberians United for Reconciliation andDemocracy (LURD) rebel group.

"Fighting, involving shelling of citizens settlements by the LURD forces has worsened the humanitarian situation," Chambas said.

He said that only a few humanitarian agencies had remained in Liberia due to the deteriorating security situation.

He noted that the arrival of the first Nigerian vanguard troopsin Liberia would pave the way for the deployment of other Nigeriantroops in the next few days.

A total of 3,250 peacekeepers, he said, were expected from the sub-region composite force (ECOMIL) that would be on ground beforethe United Nations finally takes over the mission in November.

Chambas said the mandate of ECOMIL included among others takingnecessary steps to guarantee security and free movement of humanitarian agencies.

"ECOMIL forces will put in place logistics for the coming of the stabilization force expected in November and also ensure compliance with the Accra peace accord," he said.

On the political front, Chambas said ECOWAS was working to create a conducive environment for disarmament, demobilization andrehabilitation in the country.

He said the transition government to be formed would be for twoyears to work out modalities for an inclusive government.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Taylor Accepts Nigerian Offer of Asylum

Liberian President Confirms He Will Step Down

Mbeki Rveals Date for Liberian President to Step Down

DPRK's Kim Jong Il Elected Member of Parliament ( 2 Messages)

Main Party of China's First Euthanasia Lawsuit Dies ( 2 Messages)

For Whom Does Jackie Chan Feel Pity and Shed Tears? ( 5 Messages)

News Analysis: Bush's Political Fortune to Rise or Fall? ( 4 Messages)

Japan to Be Restored as China's Biggest Tourism Source ( 3 Messages)