N=B0.07/2003
The International Contact Group on Liberia
will hold its second working session on Friday, 28th February 2003 in New
York. The session, which is in continuation of efforts by the group to
contribute to the resolution of the crisis in Liberia, will review the
situation in that country and adopt the terms of reference for its operations.
Members of the group include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco, the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and ECOWAS.
The first session of the group, which was inaugurated on 17th September 2002 in New York, was held in Dakar on 19th December 2002. At the Dakar meeting, the group adopted the general framework proposed by ECOWAS for a two-pronged strategy towards the resolution of the Liberian crisis.
The strategy is focused on the creation of conditions for good neighbourliness with the country's neighbours and the promotion of internal dialogue leading to national reconciliation and elections
The New York session will discuss modalities for achieving the cessation of hostilities in the country, promoting dialogue and national reconciliation as well as Disarmament, Demobilisation and Rehabilitation (DDR).
Its discussions will also focus on how to promote respect for the rule of law, human rights and good governance as well as ensure that appropriate conditions were created for the conduct of free and fair elections. Elections are due later this year.
The session will be co-chaired by Greece and Ghana, current Chair of the European Union and ECOWAS respectively.
Copyright =A9 ECOWAS 2003