Liberia: UN reports relative 'quiet,' difficult humanitarian conditions in capital12 June – With peace talks between Liberian Government officials and opposition leaders expected to begin in earnest today in Ghana, United Nations staff in Monrovia reported little gunfire but "extremely difficult" humanitarian conditions for thousands of frightened people crowding into spontaneous camps that have sprung up throughout the capital.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Monrovia is relatively "quiet" today. An inter-agency assessment mission has visited areas in the city where displaced persons have congregated in large numbers. Team members visited five sites, including the sports complex where an estimated 30,000 people are living under extremely difficult conditions. In all locations, OCHA said that the priority needs are water and sanitation, food, shelter, medical services and protection.
Efforts also are being made to assist some 300 Ivoirian and Sierra Leonean refugees who have congregated at the Monrovia headquarters of the UN refugee agency.
On the political front, the peace talks bringing together the Government and Liberian parties were expected to formally get underway today in Akosambo, Ghana. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is represented by Abou Moussa.
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