Catholic bishops call for dialogue on national woes

Catholic bishops in Liberia have called for the use of dialogue to solve their nation's problems, independent 'Star radio' in Monrovia reported. In a statement issued on Thursday, the bishops noted that violence was not the way to solve problems or promote peace and reconciliation, 'Star radio' said. They urged the government to start implementing the recommendations of a national conference held last year. The clerics condemned all forms of armed conflict and said Liberia should reform its policy towards its neighbours so as to regain the trust and confidence of the international community, 'Star' added. The bishops' meeting came in the wake of a 21 April guerrilla raid on the northern border town of Voinjama, Lofa County. The attack was repelled by Liberian security forces. Recent news reports claim that Voinjama was attacked by guerrillas from training camps that ULIMO, a former rebel faction led by Alhaji Kromah, allegedly operates in southeast Guinea. The Guinean government has denied any involvement in the attack saying Guinea would never serve as a rear base for attacking another OAU member country, according to news reports.