Minister for Foreign Affairs
Dept of Foreign Affairs
Iveagh House
St Stephen's Green
Dublin 2
29th July 2003
Dear Minister,
We are currently witnessing a serious humanitarian crisis in Liberia, and one that is worsening with each passing day. Recent reports identify access to food and clean water as acute needs throughout the displaced population of more than 500,000 countrywide. Against a backdrop of inconclusive peace talks in Ghana, hostilities involving both militia groups are now spreading to other parts of the country.
The UN Special Envoy for Liberia, Mr. Jacques Klein, has recently called for "immediate deployment of peacekeepers to the capital". Stating that the humanitarian situation is disastrous and could worsen, he further stressed the need for the presence of US troops on the ground to avert a humanitarian disaster.
The UN Envoy for War-affected Children, Mr. Olara Otunnu, has highlighted the plight of youth in Liberia, and has pointed to the implications that a worsening of the situation might have on a regional basis, especially given the geopolitical complexities of the Mano River region.
The waiting game that is currently being played by the US administration is costing lives. President George Bush has prevaricated for over a week since meeting with United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan about committing US forces to Liberia. Meanwhile the rest of the world has stood by as Liberia has disintegrated once more into violence and bloodshed.
If President Bush is unwilling to commit troops under a UN mandate then he must make a clear and immediate declaration to that effect and other countries including those of the European Union should step into the breach. While West African countries have pledged to send in troops, we believe that their credibility within Liberia will only be assured if the US or other world powers play a major role in any mission.
On a recent trip to Ireland, organised by Trócaire, Archbishop Michael Francis of Monrovia stressed the above points in a meeting with representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Given Ireland's long and proud record of support for humanitarian and peace keeping efforts worldwide, a statement from your Department calling for the active deployment of US troops on the ground in Liberia, in support of the ECOWAS initiative (ECOMIL), would be welcome, and would contribute to avoiding further suffering and loss of life among the already traumatised and distressed Liberian population.
Furthermore, in recognition of the role and responsibility of the United Nations with regard to international conflict resolution, and the critical importance of promoting multilateral approaches to global conflicts, we would encourage your office to support any resolution that will enable the expeditious replacement of the US engagement with a longer-term UN mandated intervention.
Yours sincerely,
Justin Kilcullen Director