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05 August 2003

U.S. Welcomes Arrival of Nigerian Peacekeepers in Liberia

Will help restore and maintain security essential to humanitarian relief

The United States welcomes the arrival in Monrovia of Nigerian soldiers who form the first element of an ECOWAS-led multinational force, deputy State Department spokesman Philip T. Reeker said August 5.

In a written statement released to the press, Reeker explained that the goal of this force is to help "restore and maintain security in Liberia so that essential humanitarian assistance can be provided to the people of Liberia."

Reeker reiterated, "The resignation and departure from Liberia of President Charles Taylor is essential to restoring peace in Liberia."

Following is the text of the Reeker statement:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
August 5, 2003

Statement by Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman

LIBERIA: ECOWAS TROOPS ARRIVE

The United States welcomes the arrival today in Monrovia of Nigerian soldiers who form the first element of an ECOWAS-led multinational force. The goal of this force is to help restore and maintain security in Liberia so that essential humanitarian assistance can be provided to the people of Liberia.

These developments are a clear sign that the international community is committed to bringing relief to the people of Liberia and to helping them resolve the many problems they face. Liberians are not alone in this time of extreme distress.

The United States is working in close coordination with ECOWAS to ensure the success of this mission, including the provision of logistical and financial assistance.

We applaud the decision taken August 1 by the UN Security Council to authorize this multinational effort and to plan for the establishment of a UN stabilization force that will take over from the multinational force by October 1, 2003.

For humanitarian assistance to arrive quickly, all combatants, especially the military forces of the government and the LURD and MODEL rebel groups, must stop fighting and restore and respect the cease-fire. Liberians should cooperate with international peacekeepers and humanitarian relief workers.

We note that President Taylor said publicly on August 2 that he will step down from his office on August 11. The resignation and departure from Liberia of President Charles Taylor is essential to restoring peace in Liberia.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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