Opposition leaders call for ceasefire

A Liberian opposition leaders conference has called for an "unconditional ceasefire" between the government and the rebel Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD).

In a report released after the meeting in Bethesda, United States, on 28-29 June, the delegates said the government and LURD should declare a ceasefire and embark on a process of dialogue to enhance the process of democratisation in the country.

They also called for the immediate deployment of an international intervention and stabilisation force, similar to that constituted for Sierra Leone. Such a force, they said, should have a clearly defined mandate to take control over Liberia, separate the warring parties, disarm, disband, demobilise and rehabilitate all rival armed groups in the country.

The report said this would create an enabling environment for peace, stability and security in the country and the West African region and the holding of free and fair elections in Liberia in October 2003. It called for enforcement of further sanctions and the immediate imposition of additional sanctions against the government of Liberia and LURD.

The participants recommended follow-up meetings bringing together political, civil society organisations and religious leaders to continue the process of reconciling political differences.

The meeting, which brought together more than 30 opposition figures and three observers, voiced its support for next week's leadership forum to be held in Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou.

The Ouagadougou meeting, sponsored by the Burkina Faso government, aims to bring Liberian opposition politicians, civil society and religious leaders together to reach a consensus on issues relating to security, peace, stability and the democratisation process in Liberia. It is a follow-up to a meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria, in March.