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Annan urges US to send troops to Liberia immediately
United Nations, July 22: UN secretary general Kofi Annan asked the United States yesterday to decide whether to send troops to Liberia before the country is consumed by civil war.
United Nations, July 22: UN secretary general Kofi Annan asked the United States yesterday to decide whether to send troops to Liberia before the country is consumed by civil war.
"(Annan) urges the United States to spare no effort to support this deployment and to announce its own decision on the deployment of US troops before it is too late," said Annan's spokesman Fred Eckhard.
US President George W. Bush has said that the United States would consider deploying troops if Liberian President Charles Taylor agrees to step down and on the deployment of African troops.
"The secretary general renews his call to Eco was to deploy without delay the proposed vanguard force to restore calm and security," referring to the economic community of West African states' commitment to send troops.
Eckhard relayed journalists at UN headquarters about Annan's views.
"He strongly believes that the Liberian crisis cannot be solved by military confrontation. Such confrontation can only lead to a further deterioration of an already dire humanitarian situation."
"The secretary general condemns the resumption of hostilities in Monrovia. He calls on the parties concerned and, in particular, the Liberians united for democracy and reconciliation, to fully observe the ceasefire.
"The secretary general reiterates that any attempt to seize power by force would be unacceptable to the international community.
Bureau Report
"(Annan) urges the United States to spare no effort to support this deployment and to announce its own decision on the deployment of US troops before it is too late," said Annan's spokesman Fred Eckhard.
US President George W. Bush has said that the United States would consider deploying troops if Liberian President Charles Taylor agrees to step down and on the deployment of African troops.
"The secretary general renews his call to Eco was to deploy without delay the proposed vanguard force to restore calm and security," referring to the economic community of West African states' commitment to send troops.
Eckhard relayed journalists at UN headquarters about Annan's views.
"He strongly believes that the Liberian crisis cannot be solved by military confrontation. Such confrontation can only lead to a further deterioration of an already dire humanitarian situation."
"The secretary general condemns the resumption of hostilities in Monrovia. He calls on the parties concerned and, in particular, the Liberians united for democracy and reconciliation, to fully observe the ceasefire.
"The secretary general reiterates that any attempt to seize power by force would be unacceptable to the international community.
Bureau Report