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UNITED NATIONS • NATIONS UNI ES

UNOMIL -') JJJ2- cL ~ ' UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA

TO: Kevin Kennedy, F. Schettler Peter Swarbrick SG Spokesman's Office

FAX NOS: 963-1186 v -t2t::. ,·:2-1J.J.i!C,;z 963-9070 963-7055

FROM:

UNIT- UNOMIL

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

DATE:27 September 1997 Total No. of pages:3

I SUBJECToMedia Summary - 25-27 Sept..,.,,er

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UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA MISSION D'OllSERVATION DES Lm'ERIA

UNOMIL l'ublic ln,(Omiation llll/1

MEDIA SUMMARY SEPl'EMBER25-27

TETE-A-TATE Police Director Joseph Tate has charged the Director of the Catholic Justice and Peace

Commission (JPC), Samuel Woods, with "criminal malevolence", based on remarks Woods made about Tate at the recent JPC news conference where the arrest of Inquirer Managing Editor Philip Wesseh was initially announced. Although Tate had summoned the JPC Director by letter to report to Police headquarters on 26 September, reports indicated that Woods might not comply on grounds that the Police Director's office is not an appropriate judicial forum for the resolution of the allegations in question. Meantime, Harry Brooks, head of the Liberian Human Rights Chapter, condemned the arrest of Mr. Wesseh, saying it had been carried out without due process and was therefore "unconstitutional". (The Inquirer, Star Radio and RadioVeritas)

SRSG'S NEWS CONFERENCE SRSG Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh's press conference on the ending ofUNOMIL's

mandate was widely covered by the print and broadcast media. Amb. Kalomoh stressed the need to encourage economic recovery in Liberia, noting that to sustain the peace process, all the UN agencies will now focus their activities on repatriation, resettlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The SRSG said the Secretary-General and the Liberian Government were agreed on the need to set up a UN Peace-building Support Office to mobilize international support for Liberian reconstruction and to serve as a convenient channel for communication between the Government and UN. The SRSG commended the Government for establishing a permanent Elections Commission, and looked forward to seeing Government, Opposition and civil society make this "nascent democracy work". The SRSG expressed the hope that the Government would establish the proposed Human Rights and National Reconciliation Commissions, observing that "human rights have come to be seen as an integral element of good government in recent years." Amb. Kalomoh reminded the press of its responsibilities in bolstering the democratic process in Liberia. He paid tribute to ECOW AS and ECOMOG for designing and steering a workable peace plan for Liberia. The Inquirer, which headlined its account "UN Will Not Investigate Atrocities", reported that the SRSG had said that the United Nations "has abrogated its previous decision to investigate atrocities committed by the former warring factions in Liberia." The SRSG also said UNOMIL had dropped its previous demand for the retrieval of all its vehicles looted during the April 6th 1996 episode. (The Inquirer, The News, ELBC, Radio Veritas, Star Radio, Radio Liberty and Radio Hope)

DOGOLEA APOLOGISES Vice President Enoch Dogolea has apologised to members of the legislature for the 23

September incident in which Dogolea's security detail assaulted Bomi County Representative Sando Johnson in the car park of the National Legislature. At a closed session, the Vice President described the incident as "unfortunate and regrettable" and promised that those responsible would be dealt with appropriately. Rep. Johnson has accepted the apology and legislative action planned against the Vice President has reportedly been dropped. An earlier report on BBC said that the Vice President had initially apologised to fellow party members and to Rep. Johnson at NPP headquarters for the assault. The House of Representatives had issued the Vice President an ultimatwn to appear before it. According to House Majority leader Momolu Saysay, preparations

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were being made to launch impeachment proceeding against Mr. Dogolea should he fail to appear. (ELBC, Radio Veritas, Daily Times, BBC and KISS FM)

TAYLORRETURNSlOCTOBER President Taylor, whose return from South Africa had been announced for 28 September,

will instead be arriving back in Liberia on 1 October, according to an official announcement. Meanwhile, a Foreign Ministry announcement says the President's bilateral talks with President Mandela went well.

CAPTAN'S ROUNDS Foreign Minister Monie Captan has called on the UN to help repatriate Liberian refugees,

particularly those affected by the Sierra Leonean crisis. Minister Captan made the call in New York when he met fellow members of the ECOW AS Committee of Five on Sierra Leone. He also held separate meetings with the Secretary-General and with members of the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, thousands of Liberian refugees at the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana have appealed to President Taylor for buses to facilitate their repatriation to Liberia. The appeal was made by the Chairman of the Liberian Refugee Welfare Council in Ghana, James Wureh, Sr., in an interview. (Daily Times and Radio Veritas)

TAIWANESE RICE Taiwan is to shortly donate a consignment of rice worth US$3 million to the Government

and people of Liberia following President Taylor's request to Taiwanese leader PresidentTenghui Lee for assistance. (The Inquirer)

VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR EX-COMBAT ANTS The Booker Washington Institute/Phelps-Stokes Fund Project is to begin training 1,500

ex-combatants and other war affected Liberians in various vocational disciplines shortly. Training will comprise three six-month sessions, each catering to 500 students. (The News)

WOTORSON RETURNS The leader of the Alliance of Political Parties, Cletus S. Wotorson, was due back in

Liberia on 26 September after a brief visit to the United States during which he met with Alliance supporters in various cities for discussions on ways in which the party could play a constructive role in opposition. (The News)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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UNITED NATIONS 8) NATIONS UNIES ~ (

UNOMIL --:;> fk---~

UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA

. \ FROM:\ -TO: Kevin Kennedy, F. Schettler

Peter Swarbrick SG Spokesman's Office

~-,c INFORMATION IT- UNOMIL

FAX NOs: 9 6 3 -118 6 ~ll!<--UJ !11f.;.-~

963-9070 963-7055

DATE:26 September 1997

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-~924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

Total No. of pages:6

SUBJECT:Transcript of SRSG's Press Conference Q & A

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TRANSCRIPT OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AT THE SRSG'S PRESS CONFERENCE MARKING THE END OF UNOMIL'S MANDATE

25 SEPTEMBER 1997

Q: Thank you Ambassador. In disposing of mission assets like the vehicles, will UNOMIL be turning over.items to the Government?

SRSG: A number of institutions, and indeed the Government of Liberia, have requested UNOMIL to consider providing some of the assets we possess, but as you recall, the United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution prohibiting the Secretary-General to dispose of any assets without the authorization of the General Assembly. The request is being considered and the Secretary-General has informed the General Assembly. Upon that decision of the General Assembly, the United Nations will decide on how to consider the requests that we have received from the Government and various institutions of Liberia. But it is a well founded request and I'm sure it's receiving active and sympathetic consideration. But we cannot predict what the decision of the General Assembly would be.

Q: Can you tell us the total cost ofUNOMIL since its inception?

SRSG: Quite frankly I do not have the figures at the tip ofmy fingers. I wouldn't be able to tell you how much it cost UNOMIL, but it's one of the cheapest UN peace-keeping operations. As you know, we are an observer mission - very small and very cheap. This is why you always see in the Secretary-General's report that the United Nations and the international community cannot have peace on the cheap. But, for this one, most of the costs were borne by the ECOWAS member countries and the cost for the UN was not as much as that borne by ECOWAS. I don't have the figures, but we can help you have them before we close next week.

Q: What are the arrangements for disposal of the weapons handed in during disarmament? What will UNOMIL's role be?

SRSG: The decision on the disposal ofweapons is for the Government ofLiberia and ECOWAS. And, we believe that they are now discussing that issue, and we shall know as and when they decide on what to do with the weapons. As to the latter part of your question about the role of UNOMIL could play - from the 30th September there will be no UNOMIL, but should the Government of Liberia in agreement with ECOW AS see the need to request the SecretaryGeneral to play any role, I'm absolutely certain that the United Nations will provide whatever assistance will be required in disposing of the weapons that are now being held in joint custody by ECOMOG and UNOMIL.

Q: UNOMIL still has bills to settle, contracts to wind up. What happens after you leave?.

SRSG: Well, the liquidation team wi11 address all the pertinent issues that are outstanding -

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legitimate contracts that we have entered into between ourselves and Liberian contractors - and by the time our mandate expires in approximately three months I believe we would have successfully address those contracts. As for the employees ofUNOMIL, obviously this is one issue over which we have no control. The mandate ends and all of us working for UNO MIL who are not permanent staff members of the UN will become unemployed. We hope they [Liberian staff members] would be accommodated in the Liberian economic sectors, private and government. Otherwise, we all become unemployed on the first of October.

Q: The proportional representation single constituency system in use at the elections made no provision for the past practice which allowed for ajrmior and senior senator from each constituency, the former to serve a six-year term, the latter nine years. Despite the absence of traditional constituencies, current incumbents are applying the seniority distinction once more. Can you comment?

SRSG: If you go back to the Special Elections Law, it says that elections in Liberia will be held on a proportional representative system with Liberia as a country forming one constituency. But after that it would revert to the existing system. Which means that the elections will revert to the system as enshrined in the Liberian constitution. That is the basis on which seats were allocated and I believe this is the basis on which some senators are called senior senators and [others] junior senators. I do not have the competence really to define the role in this special situation of the Liberian constitution, but everything that has been done to allocate seats was done in strict accordance with the Special Elections Law. And all the parties participating in the elections also participated in the drafting and the final adoption of that law in Abuja. The Special Elections Law was widely discussed, but the moment the political parties agreed to revert to the existing system after the election pre-supposes or actually assumes that perhaps the seniority would be chosen arbitrarily, and I'm sorry we just have to live with that until the expiration of the mandate of the current legislature that is in six or nine years time.

Q: Human rights has been a recurring issue in the course of the conflcit. What is the UN view?

SRSG: Well, we've been here since 1993. I personally have been here since April of this year. But the whole conflict in Liberia was, I believe, about human rights -- the right to have peace, the right to freedom, the right to exercise your democratic rights. I believe the decision on that day of 19 July to vote and vote massively for the party of their choice was an exercise of their human rights. Now, the Government has recognized the importance of human rights, as an aspect of good governance, and have announced that they will establish a commission on human rights. The United Nations welcomes that decision, and I believe that it will contribute to the consolidation of democracy in Liberia. Right now, we believe that the Government is moving the right direction ans we hope they will respect human rights. They have made all the good statements in their commitment of respect for human rights .

Q: What is the intended contribution of the Peace-Building Support Office and will the UN play a role in the disposal of the weapons now in custody? Also, what about past undertakings to

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investigate human rights violations and those resolutions calling for the recovery of the assets looted after April 6th?

SRSG: The Secretary-General has made it clear that Liberia - the Government, the civil society -has to re-establish the economic activities of the country, rebuild the schools, clinics, hospitals, roads. The Secretary-General believes very strongly that, in addition to the UN agencies that focus on these areas, he needs to have regular communication with the Government of Liberia through such an office. So, the focus of that office will really be to help the UN agencies in mobilizing international support for the recovery programme of the Government of Liberia.

After the elections, Liberia has a legitimate government - a legitimate constitutional government - that has sovereign rights over all issues pertaining to Liberia. So the decision about the weapons would be determined by ECOWAS and the Government of Liberia. The United Nations, ifrequested to play any role, will always be willing to play that role, but we cannot dictate the terms or pace between the Government of Liberia and ECOWAS. We hope that they would discuss and dispose of that issue amicably and in the interest of both parties. It is not an issue really. I only want to repeat that the issue is between the Government of Liberia and ECOWAS, and that the UN, should we be requested to play any role, would be ready and willing to provide that assistance.

Liberia is just emerging from a very destructive conflict lasting seven years . A lot of things happened during the conflict. It is important for us, perhaps, not to forget what had happened. But, it is more important for us, perhaps, to focus our attention on reconstruction, reconciliation and development. As you know, there is no tribunal established by the United Nations to address the issue of human rights violations or alleged human rights violations during the seven years of civil conflict. And we began really with the election and the inauguration of the new Government. What the people of Liberia decide, what the government of Liberia decides, that is their sovereign right and that will be their sovereign decision. All I want to say is that the is no investigation going on by the United Nations on what happened during the seven years of conflict.

As to the assets, yes, the United Nations would have wanted the recovery. As you know we lost considerable assets, some of our agencies lost all their assets during April 6. So had the people of Liberia - lots of individuals lost all their life-savings completely during the two months of April-May. Most of those things could not be accounted for but we do not want to be prisoners of what happened during that April, we really want to move forward and help the people of Liberia recover from the traumas of the seven years of the conflict and especially the trauma inflected by the events of April 6,1996. We, the United Nations, want to be as helpful to the people of Liberia to get over this trauma of the conflict of seven years.

Q: What about the role of foreign aid? And, to revert to the weapons issue, doesn't UNOMIL have a role?

SRSG: Foreign aid is an important aspect of the recovery programme of Liberia. We in the United Nations, and that means the Secretary-General, the specialized agencies, will do all in our

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power to tell the story of Liberia, particularly the reconstruction story. The United Nations has invested a lot in the peace process in Liberia, the sub-regional organization, ECOWAS, has invested a lot in lives and resources in the peace process in Liberia, and a lot depends on the development efforts oft.he Government of Liberia and also the international community in order to sustain this achievement. So, we will continue to mobilize international support not only to provide bilateral assistance or donor assistance but to invest in Liberia since it is a country of abundant opportunities, abundant natural resources. We need to tell that story to the international community - that we need not only provide donor aid but we need to provide investment in a number of economic sectors in the country.

The weapons are really not an issue. It is a procedural issue, a political issue, it is not a military issue. It is simply that it has not been resolved because of other commitments by the government leader, ECOW AS leaders. We believe it should be settled. These weapons are in safe custody at the ECOMOG base with one set of keys held by ECOMOG and one set of keys held by UNOMIL. UNOMIL will continue to hold that key until the Government of Liberia and ECOW AS decide on the classification of those weapons - sorting them out. There are some that could be serviceable. They will decide what to do with those. There are some that are absolutely unserviceable. They will decide what to do with those. And we will comply with their decision. So, really, it is not an issue that we should be making confusion about. It is an issue that we believe the Government Liberia and ECOW AS will reach a decision over in the not too distant future.

Q: How does UNOMIL view the establishment of a permanent elections commission?

SRSG: The Independent Elections Commission had a fixed mandate to supervise, to manage the special elections for Liberia. They were given one month after the elections to wind up their business, make their report and close shop, and they have done that. The establishment of a new, pennanent elections commission is very important because you see, if you watch around Africa, there are always disputes of the election results. Very often, opposition parties question the impartiality and objectivity of the election commission or the government which runs the elections. For electionas to be credible, it is important to be managed by a credible independent body. National elections are just one aspect of the elections. You have regional elections, local elections, municipal elections. And for these, you need a credible independent commission to be responsible for the management of these elections. A body which will say the elections were fair, you should in good conscience be able to accept or to believe them. A body which will say there was some malpractice there and we must call for a re-run, you should be able to accept their word. So, I believe the Government has made a very good decision to establish the election commission. We hope their elections will be independent enough so as to be credible in the eyes of all parties. Governments are only governments when they are in power. During elections, they will become political parties . But there must be an arbitor of the elections, credible enough to assure every party of impartiality in the conduct of the election. So I think it was a very good decision on the part of the Government, establishing a permanent election commision.

Q: Ambassador, you have spoken of debts and indebtedness. What is UNOMIL's indebtedness?

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SRSG: I thought I said we are indebted to ECOW AS. We owe them an unpayable debt of gratitude for the immense sacrifices in the role they played in bringing about a peaceful resolution of the Liberian problem. That is not indebtedness in terms of monetary value. But the idea of leaving a small team to liquidate UNOMIL is that - you see you cannot liqudate all the contracts shortly after the expiry of the mandate. It is premised on the assumption that there are some contracts out there that may take a long time. That is why we have a senior adminstrative officer, assisted by a competent lawyer and other professionals to help us. In the event that someone comes out to say you owe us so much, we shall have a competent legal person, an accountant, all kinds of people that will be able to dispose off that mission. As of now, our records are very clean - no debts and we don't owe anybody anything.

Q: Is there a role for UNOMIL and/or the UN in Sierra Leone?

SRSG: UNOMIL means United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia. But your question is valid. The situation in Sierra Leone is of great concern to the United Nations because of its destabilizing potential on Liberia. If anything, r.eally, we would want the situation in Sierra Leone to be stable so that Liberia could proceed immediately with its development and reconstruction efforts. As you know, Liberia has just been added to the Committee of Four to mediate the conflict in Sierra Leone. That means the diversion ofresources from development goals to the resolution of conflict in Sierra Loene. The Secretary-General, as you know, has always had a Special Envoy in Sierra Leone. There is a Special Envoy for Sierra Leone and we believe the situation there will soon allow us to go back. The UN staff were evacuated from Sierra Leone followinng the coup there, and we hope to go back to be able to help whenever required and when requested by the parties to the conflict in Sierra Leone. The UN endorsed the decision ofECOWAS to help the parties in Sierra Leone to fmd a peaceful solution to that conflict and, hopefully, a lasting solution to that conflict. For us really closer to home, we only hope that in the meantime the situation in Sierra Leone will not have a negative spill-over effect. Already, we have refugees crossing into Liberia. That is undesirable, that is destabilizing. For now, we hope a solution will soon be found to the problem in Sierra Leone because a peaceful and stable Sierra Leone has a very complementary effect on the stablitiy on Liberia.

Thank you very much.

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UNITED NATIONS ~) NATIONS UNIJ£S u UNOMIL ~ ~ J,,c_, (./

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.- ~ \_.~ ' }

TO: Kevin Kennedy, F. Schottler FROM: Bria~i,'.j/ - -Peter Swarbrick PUBLI' , FORMATI<m -SG Spokesman's Office UNIT- UNOMIL

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FAX NOs: 9 6 3 -1186 t.,-•O\;::.-,. ;';'._~ i1<t;l.fi?= FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 963-9070 PHONE NO: 231 - 226-049 963-7055


SUBJECT:l. Media Summary for 24 Sept.2.SRSG's opening remarks for Press Conference scheduled to be held at UNOMIL Hqs at 11.00 hours (07.00 hours New York time)this morning (25 Sept.)

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UNITED NATIONS ~ION D' OBSERVATION DES

OBSERVER MJSSION IN UBE.RIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Public ln,[omlJJfion UniJ

MEDIA SUMMARY .U...,._D 24, 19'7

TAYLOR NOT TO ATTEND GENERAL ASSEMBLY The Liberian Senate, citing "security reasons", has turned down a presidential request for President

Taylor to attend the 52nd session of the UN General Assembly. Interviewed by Star Radio, the Political and Economic Counselor at the US Embassy in Monrovia had given assurances that President Taylor would not be arrested during his visit to the UN, an apparent reference to President Taylor's previous visit to the United States in the 1980s when he escaped from a Massachusetts jail while awaiting extradition proceedings. Foreign Minister Monie Captan has been designated by President Taylor to deliver his address to the General Assembly. Captan, meanwhile, insisted to the BBC that the reason was strictly to do with security, citing Liberia's recent history of conflict. He also suggested that the US State Department may have wanted to restrict President Taylor's movements on grounds that they could not fully guarantee his safety. The Foreign Minister did point out that, at the request of the Liberian government, the original extradition proceedings involving President Taylor had been dropped by the US district court in question. Minister Captan also pointed out that it was constitutionally customary for the Liberian President to seek the Senate's approval before travelling abroad. (Ihe IllQ.Uirer. DC 101, Star Radio and ELBC)

MORE POLICE CONTROVERSY - PROMINENT JOURNALIST DETAINED The detention and subsequent release from police custody of Philip N. Wesseh, Managing Editor of

the independent lnguirer newspaper, was the subject of running radio news bulletins throughout the evening of 24 September. First, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Church held a news conference broadcast live in the early evening announcing that Mr. Wesseh had been detained by the police. Later, ELBC news said the police had confirmed the arrest, saying that Mr. Wesseh was detained because of his "alleged complicity" in the purchase of property they claim was stolen by the late Aloysius Kieh. According to ELBC's report of the police accoW1t, Mr. Wesseh, with his lawyer in attendance, was also charged with "criminal malevolence" for falsely accusing the police [in that morning's Inquirer] of having no criminal docket on the late Mr. Kieh. [One of a group of suspects rounded up in the week-end crack-down on armed robbery, Kieh was shot dead, reportedly while attempting to escape from the police]. The Press Union of Liberia's announcement of Mr. Wesseh's eventual release was reported on late news bulletins as was his rejection of the charges

The Inquirer of 24 September had taken note of a release from the office of Vice President Enoch Dogolea endorsing police actions over the week-end. The release stated that, prior to President Taylor's departure for South Africa, an Executive Mansion meeting had set up a committee to ensure nationwide security. ECOMOG was a member of the committee. Members had acquiesced fully in the course of action adopted against armed robbers "in support of the policies of our government and in the best interest of the state." However, as the Inquirer further reported, human rights officials and politicians concerned at Mr. Kieh's death, claim the police action was "unprofessional" and queried how a trained police officer could shoot an escapee in the "head from the back." They also raised the issue of the legality of the weapons used by the police, inqui1ing when it was that the police had been rearmed.

Meanwhile, according to The News. Police Director Tate addressed another controversial issue when he responded to the Inquirer and Mr. Wesseh by name through his Public Affairs office. Tate insisted that his recent transfer of a number of senior officers was in strict conformity with the police manual, given that it was the "prerogative of the Director of Police to reshuffle subordinate officers of the bureau at any time for effective operation and control." (The Inquirer, ELBC and The News)

SRSG MAKES FAREWELL VISIT TO ECOMOG FC SRSG Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh has commended ECOW AS and ECOMOG for their role in

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UNITED NATIONS ~ NATIONS UNIES (!) ~ .

UNOMIL -->;fe-Lv--


TO: Kevin Kennedy Peter Swarbrick SG Spokesman's Office

FROM:

FAX NOs: 963-1186~\< Q.'> 11 ~'1c: FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 963-9070 PHONE NO: 231-226-049 963-7055

DATE: 19-23 September 1997


SUBJECT: Media Summary and cabinet, legislative posts

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ci) UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA OJISERVER MISSION l:N LIBEJUA MlliSlON D'OBSERV A TION DES UBDUA

UNOMIL ~lie Information Unil

MEDIA SUMMARY SEPTEMBER 19-13

TAYLOR'S VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA "PRIVATE" South African Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo has told the BBC that President Charles

Taylor's visit to South Africa is "private". President-Taylor left Liberia on 20 September at the head of a five-man delegation for what has been termed as bilateral meetings aimed at boosting the Liberian economy. The President has also used his visit to undergo a ''thorough" medical check-up at a Johannesburg clinic and, according to a presidential spokesman, has been pronounced fit and healthy. Finance Minister Elias Saleeby left on 19 September to attend the IMF/World Bank annual conference in Hong Kong. Subsequently, the Finance Minister will travel to New York to participate in the special donor conference for Liberia at the United Nations. (ELBC, KISS FM, BBC, The Inquirer and The News)

LIBYANS TO ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC PRESENCE Heritage reports the presence in Monrovia of three senior Libyan officials, including an

ambassador-designate, charged with setting up a diplomatic mission and with revitalizing joint Jclevelopment projects. The visit, according to sources cited by Heritage, follows on VicePresident Dogolea's recent trip to Libya when he reportedly signed a US$2 billion aid package with the Libyan authorities. According to the National, the Liberian authorities have requested the US Embassy in Monrovia to tum over the Ambassador's current residence (the former British embassy) for use by the Libyans. (Heritage and The National)

MUSLIMS COMPLAIN OF BEING MARGINALIZED The National Muslim Council of Liberia has ac~used the government of "conspiracy and

marginalization" against Liberian Muslims, citing the enactment of a municipal ordinance banning selling in the Monrovia area on Sundays. (The Inguirer)

PERMANENT ELECTIONS COMMISSION A five-member permanent elections commission has been announced by the government

to conduct and supervise future elections. Those appointed to serve as members by President Taylor are: Paul Gowah (Chairman), Dr. Francis K. Sio (co-chairman), John Langlot Samuel Kortimah and Morris Garden. J. Sirjie Torgbu has been appointed Executive Director of the Commission. (ELBC and Radio Veritas)

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission has expressed concern about the haste to set

up the National Human Rights Commission, noting that the Government has already put a draft bill to establish the commission before the National Legislature. The JPC talces the position that the National Legislature should conduct public hearings on the bill in order to solicit both local and international expert opinion in ensuring that internationally accepted minimum standards for

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h 'gh . . . I h h b f .h 1 . ·11@] sue human n ts mst1tut1ons are met. t warns t at t e a sence o sue consu tat1ons w1 accentuate the fear of government control which would undermine the Commission's independence and credibility. (The News, Radio Veritas, and Star Radio)

ONE KILLED, 25 ARRESTED IN POLICE CRACK-DOWN ON ROBBERS Newly reappointed Police Director Joe Tate launched "Operation Clear Monrovia" at the

week-end by personally leading a 2 a.m. raid on a group of armed robbers. In the ensuing crackdown, one suspected armed robber was shot dead while trying to avoid arrest and some 25 suspects were taken into police custody, a number of them allegedly members of gangs which had been operating in the Monrovia area since as far back as the April 1996 crisis. According to the National Chronicle's report of Director Tate's account of the shooting, the suspect jumped from a vehicle in which he was riding with the police and was shot while trying to escape. Tate has vowed to make Monrovia "a safe place to live", saying "we are going to carry out this operation until every armed robber is caught and brought to justice before we can rest."

Elsewhere, The Inquirer describes Tate's decision to suspend five assistant police directors and sectional heads within an hour of taking office as "unilateral". Tate, meantime, ordered the Inqµirer's correspondent out of police headquarters, warning him "I will get even with you", while reportedly adding .. I am not answerable to the Inguirer or the press ... " Senior police officials are reportedly dissatisfied at the manner in which the suspensions were implemented, saying that the Director did not follow proper procedures. Tate has reportedly also ordered the US-funded International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Programme (ICIT AP) team charged with restructuring the Liberian police, to leave.

Four suspects in Bong County believed to have been involved in the death of a local bq.sinessman, reportedly killed while en route to Bono Town along the Gbamga highway, are being held in police custody in Gbarnga awaiting trial. (The News. Inq:uirer and Toe National)

SIRLEAF ON THE ELECTIONS AND ON OPPOSITION ROLE UP leader Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has stressed the need for strong opposition, saying

government and the people should look at the opposition from a positive perspective and not view it as the enemy. She called on the government to put forward its agenda for change since this would "encourage self-reliance and national development." Overall development of the nation was a joint responsibility of government and opposition, she said. Asked about the UN's pronouncement on the elections, Mrs. Sirleaf, according to Heritage, said there was mixed feelings and disappointment in some UN circles. LPP leader Togba-Nah Tipoteh, dismissing reports that he had fled the country, told reporters that he and the LPP remains committed to addressing the problems of the Liberian people through their efforts to ensure the nation's econonric well-being. (Paily Times, Heritage. Radio Veritas and The News)

UNHCR TO OPEN SUB-OFFICES FOR RETURNEES UNHCR Director for East. West and Central Africa, Albert-Alain Peters says UNHCR is

to actively promote the voluntary repatriation of some 479,000 Liberian refugees from Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Ghana. Speaking at a press briefing in Abidjan on 18 September, Mr. Peters said security condition in Liberia permitted the voluntary repatriation of all Liberians who wished to return and that UNHCR would be opening sub-offices in Gbarnga, Harper, Voinjama and Zwedru to facilitate their repatriation. (AFP)

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LBS NEEDS USSS.2 MILLION The Liberian Broadcasting System (LBS) needs US$5.2 million for total rehabilitation of

the national radio facility, LBS Director-General Arthur Massaquoi told a visiting Taiwanese diplomatic official during a tour of the LBS premises at the week-end. (Ihe Inquirer)

RECONCILIATION CONFERENCE SRSG Amb. Tuliameni Kalomoh said reconciliation should be a national priority which

should transcend government appointments in ensuring conditions where all opinions could be involved in the affairs of state. The SRSG, who shared the experiences of his own country Namibia's emergence from conflict, was speaking at a one-day National Reconciliation and Healing Conference organized by the Center for Democratic Empowerment on 19 September. (The Inquirer)

WAR WIDOWS PROTEST EVICTIONS The widows of former AFL soldiers killed in the conflict years are protesting their

forcible eviction last week from the Barclay Training Centre by AFL troops apparently acting on the orders of Defence Minister Daniel Chea. Assistant Defence Minister Philipbert Browne has since said the eviction order was only intended for displaced persons residing at military installations. (Heritage)

TICKET MONEY Local businessman, Kamal Saleeby has donated US$10,000 towards the costs of

President Taylor's pending trip to the UN General Assembly, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Bangalee Fofana. (The News)

PERRY CENTRE Former State Council Chairman Ruth Sando Perry has established the "Perry Center for

Peace" which will focus on civic education, conflict resolution and the interests of women and children. (The News)

PLEASE NOTE; PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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NEWSBEAT ............... :1997 PAGE4 {!) WHO'S -WHO IN ·GO.YERNNENT1

THE EXECUTIVE ~ His Excellency:. • ' ' ·- ! • ,

.2 . His Excellency:

Charles Ghankay Taylor · President or the Republic of Liberia

G. Enoch M. Dogolea Jr, . . Vice President, Republic of Libanl

. 1· . '

THE JUDICIARY 1. Cllr. Gloria Scott .2 . cnr, John N. Moms

Chief Justice, R.L Associ■la Ju1llce Associate Justice Anoclete Jusllce Associate Ju,.llca

.3. Cllr .. M. WIikin• W~ht 4. Cllr. Elwood L Jangaba 5. Cllr .' Karman S. Sackor

CABINET 1. H.E

2." H.E ·

3. Hon

4. Hon

5. Hon

6. Hon

7. Hon.

8. Hon.

9 . Hon.

10. Hon.

I " :11 . Hon.

,12. Hon,· ·

,13. Hon : . ,'!-.'

J4. Hon

.115. Hon

.'• ' 16. Hon

F . Hon

~8. Hon

18. Hon I

~o. Hon

T. Ernest Eslman Minister or Pnialdentl■ l Affaf,Monl• Caplan Mlnl■tar of Foreign Affelre Elias Saleeby Minister of Flr1enca Paler B. Jallah Mtnlelar of Justice Edward K. Sackor Mlnl■ter or lnt■m■l Affalra Gen. Daniel Chea Minister or Oerance Joe Wolobah Mulbeh Mlnlal<tf ol lnrarm■tlon , Cultural & Tourl■m Or. Bangalay Forana Mlnl■ter of Commerce, lndu■try Hon. Sandra Howard Mlnl•t■ r or Planning & Economic: Affelrw Or. Fahn-borh Darkinah Mlnl■t.r of Hulth D.L, Maxwell Kaba Mlnl■lar or Post & Talacommunlc■llon■ Dr. Evelyn Kand■kal Mlnleter or Education John T. Richardson Minister of Publlo Work■ Jenkins D11mber Mlnl■ter or Lands, Mina■ & Energy Aoland M■Haquol Mlnl■t■r of Agrlculrture J : Thom■- Woawlyou Mlnlat■r or Labour Francois Mauaquol Mlnlatar of YDIJth & ■port■ Roosevelt Johnson Mlnl■t■r of Rural D■ valopm■nt Gan. Philip K.armah Mlnl■tar of Nation■! 8■ourlty Augu1tine Zaiyzay Mlnl■t■r or Stat■ Without Portfolio

NAME OF eENATOMS PARTIEe

COUNTIES POLITICAL

; " I ' \ "

Ba■trlc■ Shannan J, Sako Brown

· Mohammad Oukuly Myrtia Qlb1on Eddington Vannah Thom■1 Nlmely Karkut■ B. Kpolo Margret K■rmah Robert G. Doto R. Boakai 91ggs Roberto Dole

THE Ll!OISLA TORS

Grand Kru Boml Boml Sino■ Lofa Grand Kru Lofa Nlmba Marglbl Cape Mount Riven::e■■

Unity Party (UP) N■llon■I P1tr1ot1c Party

NAMl!I o, ltf'PREIIENT,I\TIVEI cou,,mu POLITICAL il'ARTIES

Nyundueh Monkorma!J,.a Spe■kar Grand Kru Nauonal Patriotic P■rty " · s. Jo■-n F■hn Montaarrado National Patriotic Party P■ul Nlmana Sino• National Patriotic Party Alawandar Oousaye Nimba National Patr1otlc Party Willie Z. Vamie Lola National Patriotic Pany 8oakal R. Sambola Cape Mount National Patriotic Party Moa■1 W11hlngton Maryland Nalional Patriotic Party Jo■-ph Cornomla Bong Unity P■rty Flomo Ju■aemal Bong Nallonal P■trlotlc Party E:llan King Nimba National Patriotic Party David B. Saye Maryland Isaac Kallie Rivan::ess John S. Cee Bassa Phltlp S. Tali Lola James Y. Kpangbai Bong Mohammed Klawu Cape Mount Annie Yaanay Nimba Ella Tall-oyan Lola Wilmot Howard Basse Benjamin Warner Montserrado Martin Kerkula Bong

Unity Party National Pall1otlc Party

Unity Party National Patriotic Party

John Chewuo Margibi Alexander Robinson Bass■ Unity Party (UP) Utti Youlo Grand Gadeh N■tlon■I Patriotic Par1y Isaac Dahn Nimba Robert G , S. Tlngban ' . Wi~iam S . Karyea Grand Gedeh Moms S. Nyai Monls9f1'ado David B. Saydee Maryland Libert■ People's Party Kebeh Freeman MontHrrado National Patriollc Party Sam F. Massaley Boml D■r1inglon Tesh Sinoe Lawrence Goelon Bassa 81anley Kpankillen Lore Chri■ll■n Chea Sinoe JamH L. Momo Cape Mount A. Frencl• Kpangah Bong John a. Bah Grand Gedeh W. 8h■drach Anis Sr, Grand Besse Sar, ·~ 0 . Johnson Boml St■n, .. y A A. Y■nbley Nimba Alfred J. Tue Montserrado N. Nahndl G■rel-Glah Bessa Victor M. Wllson Riverceu

· A, Momolu Man■ley Cape Mount A. Saygb■gH 0.vll Grand Gedah Jo-■ph Kabba Lofa Anthony P. wu£i1 Sr. Grand Gedeh Peter Hna Maryland

Unity Party Alliance

National Palriotlc Party

Unity Party National Patriotic Party .

IH■O Cahn Nlmb■ Chart81 Brumakine Gr■nd Bana National Patriotic Party J , Kl■ Toomey Maryland Gr■c■ Minor · · · Monlserrado National Patriotic Pany C.pt,ui 0olltlle MontHrr■do John O. Gray Cape Mount l'r■noll Qartlo Lofa ,S. Bedell Fahn Marglbl Jonah Wreh Qrand kN Francl■ G■rl■wolo eong l'l'ld I, QbqiH llnoe

WIiiie Ragland Maryland COffllHIII ,or1, Monturrado National Patriotic Par1y 'J.D. Baryogar Junius Grend Bassa Unily Pany (UP) Roland t<alna M1rglbl Peter Flniboy ' Grand Gedah Na~onar P'alrtolic ,-,.ny Zaly■■ ■. DthkH Nimbi

Unity Party .George Koukou Nlmba Ben !tanan MontHrr■clo Richard Flomo Bong 8ylv■1ter Harman Mont■-rrado

•.,\ _:"_:'_;;~·-•.i,:1•. ·evalyn Olgg1 Townsend Montserrado J■mH Harrie Nimbi N■lhanl1l WIIN■ms Grand Gedeh " David E. Kortt Lofa •~i~t ';s,,,:7~~- [2:=! ~-:~:: ~;~,~•~•~----- -----~~:,:•t~-•~ ::.~;;h Uoltod P,,.r.•, P""

-- rt,.,. -, .. . ·~ , 4 .. . .. I'• .... .··-._·~ : __ >_~_:_/ ... :: __ :·._:,. / :_}_i_.~_}_.~_:_J .~_r_t •J;,:_r J}t_•t _y_~~_:f_·'.}\ _~-~:,'.~_Jt.:_J_?:_:'.:::_,._:~:-~_l _1-_.f_t~_.=,~~_'._{~'.f:~~:,I/::-,:·. -: .-·:;::f::::t·': .::t/f:·· . .

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13 / 08 '97 07:38 '5'2.129639924 lJNOM IT, HQS ~001

UNIES \

UNITED NATIONS • NATIONS

UNOMIL AA-' 1-=:> ,-1..Rdc ..,.-'\..-v..JJ <$' I - - \::



FAX NOs: 963-1186 ,___ tPf::._ 963-9070 963-7055

DATE:12 August 1997

FROM:

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049


SUBJECT: Media Summary for 12 August

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UNITED NATIONS M18SIOND' OBSERVATION DES

OBSERVER MISSION IN LfflERIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Public /11/onnation u,w

MEDIA SUMMARY

ECOMOG UNREST

Several persons were injured and businesses disrupted on 11 August when soldiers ofECOMOG's

Sierra Leonean contingent fired a number of shots into the air, apparently as a sign of discontent over

nine-months of salary arrears they are owed. The soldiers, who were arrested by ECOMOG military

police, said "our mission in Liberia has been accomplished -- if there is no funds to sustain us here, than

let them send us back home instead of staying here to suffer". The soldiers said the shooting incident

came after numerous attempts by their officers to secure payment of their owed salaries by the ECOMOG

High Command. Meantime, ECOMOG Force Commander Maj. Gen. Victor Malu said ECOWAS

Chairman and Nigerian President Sani Abacha has agreed to pay the arrears in full . The incident is being

investigated. (ELBC, Radio Veritas, Radio Star, Heritage and Monrovia Daily News)

MORE APPOINTMENTS

President Charles Taylor has made three ambassadorial appointments. They are Rachael Diggs, as

Ambassador to the United States, J. Hezekiah Bowen as Ambassador to Cameroon, and R. Webster

Sampson as Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Gennany. Also nominated were Augustine Zaza as

Minister of State without Portfolio, and Armah Youlu as Managing Director of the Monrovia Transit

Authority. The Liberian Senate will begin confirmation hearings for 19 presidential nominees for various

government positions on I 3 August. (ELBC and the Monrovia Daily News)

GOVERNMENT OF INCLUSION?

The Heritage reports that many of President Charles Taylor's new appointments are making decisions

that "continue to divide an already fragmented society" . All Assistant Finance Ministers have reportedly

been coerced to tender their resignations en masse, and the acting Administration Minister has apparently

also requested that all assistant ministers resign immediatelv. "During the campaign, President Tavlor told

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his political rivals that the NPP would incorporate them," said James Dugbeh of the United People's

Party. "The President has failed so far to uphold that very salient campaign promise." Defending the

appointments, Presidential Press Secretary Reginald Goodrich asserted that "President Taylor has done

his utmost to ensure that all sectors and geographical areas of this country are represented in this

government." Goodrich also questioned whether Taylor's opponents would have been as inclusive had

they won what he described as "83% of the vote" . (ELBC, VOA, Heritage)

SOUTHEAST RETURNEES

[4]003

Fallowing the inauguration of the new government, several thousand Liberian refugees have begun

returning to their towns and villages in the southeastern region of Liberia. The estimated 3,000 returnees

are reportedly residents of Maryland and Grand Kru Counties. Temporary food assistance was provided

by the NPP in Maryland County. The returnees appealed to the Government and the international

community for assistance in the form of food, temporary shelter and health facilities. (The Inquirer)

PLEA FOR AID

Incoming Public Works Minister John T. Richardson is calling on the international community to

assist Liberia in rebuilding the nation. "We expect and need your support", Richardson said, "because it is

through this support .. . that we will say to those of our brothers and sisters who are still lagging behind

that this is the kind of democracy we envisage in Liberia." (The Inquirer)

TRAINING WORKSHOP

UNDP and the ILO have completed a one-week "training of trainers" programme in Monrovia. The

workshop brought together 43 participants from Cape Mount, Margibi, Lofa, Bomi and Montserrado

Counties who will be dispatched upcountry to train members of the community in economic

empowerment techniques. (The Inquirer)

PLEASE NOTE; PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDOR~ES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS ORA WN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

19 / 09 '97 09 : 00 'Zt2 1 29639924 UNOM IL HQS

UNITED NATIONS (a) NATIONS UNIES ~ .

UNO MIL ---::> tkcl_ i UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA

TO: Kevin Kennedy Peter swarbrick SG Spokesman's Office

FROM: B i e p

- UNOMIL

~ OQl

1/

FAX NOS: 963-1186 i..--0" - ~9 r;,gi;'J~-

963 -9070 FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924

PHONE NO: 231-226-049 963-7055

DATE:19 September Total No. of pages:3

SUBJECT: Media Summary (15-18 September)

V

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UNITED NATIONS • NATIONS UNIES

UNOMIL



FROM: Bi e p

- UNOMIL

FAX NOs: 963-1186 ~~-19 eig&'J~

963-9070 FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3 - 9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

9 6 3 - 7 0 5 5 v- Qf(. - l q O") OJ'"l'.

DATE:19 September Total No. of pages:3

SUBJECT: Media Swmnary (15-18 September)

Page 1/

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UNITED NATIONS MJSSIOND' OBSERVA'110NDES

OBSERVER ~ION IN LIBERIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Public JnfomwJlon Unll

MEDIA SUMMARY lS·ll &epblber, 1997

RESHUFFLE MOVES TATE BACK TO POLICE In what is being described as his "first reshuffle", President Taylor has moved Immigration Bureau

Chief Joe Tate back to Director of the National Police and made former police chief Charles Deshield National Security Adviser. S. Garyah Karmoh takes over as Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau which he previously served as Deputy Commissioner for Naturalization. He is replaced by former National Security Agency Chief, Osman Kannah. The President has also appointed Cllr. Theophilius Gould as Solicitor-General of Liberia. (ELBC, Star Radio, KISS FM, the lnguirer, and the~)

SIERRA LEONE Foreign Minister Monie Captan left for New York on 16 September to join other Foreign Ministers

of the ECOWAS Committee of Five on Sierra Leone for a briefing of the Security Council. Meanwhile, at his weekly press conference at Executive Mansion on 12 September, Presidential Press Secretary Reginald Goodridge said the Security Council is the only body with the power to impose sanctions. He noted that "although ECOW AS has called for sanctions and an embargo on Sierra Leone and the enforcement [thereof] ... the UN must lead the way in this respect and then ECOWAS can follow." Goodridge said President Taylor's concern is reflected in the appointment of former Ambassador Molly Scott as his Special Envoy on the Sierra Leonean crisis, charged with working in close collaboration with Foreign Minister Captan. The Press Secretary added that "no specific request" had come from ECOW AS to use Liberia to launch a strike against Sierra Leone or for the enforcement of sanctions or an embargo. Any such request would require both government acceptance with the backing of the National Legislature, he said. (The National and The Inquirer)

HUMAN RIGHTS BILL The News claims the Bill to set up of a Human Rights Commission lacks teeth and that everything is

being done to ensure that it "is passed into law as quickly as possible before [President Taylor leaves]. .. for the UN General Assembly" so that he may have use its establishment as "a trump card during this all important trip." The report notes, however, that a number of human rights and civic organizations have been asked for their input. Among their recommendations: that the Commission be empowered to investigate complaints, to issue subpoenas demanding that witnesses appear, and that testimony and evidence it requires for its proceedings be made available to it. (The News)

NEW POLICE CIDEF CALLS FOR PUBLIC EXECUTIONS The lnQJJirer reports "uneasiness" among members of the Liberian National Police at Joe Tate's

return as Director of the force on grounds that he is likely to remove those he does not favour. Listed as likely to be affected iare Col. Eric Mensah, Chieflnvestigator, and Col. Munya Tamba, Chief of Intelligence. Tate, meanwhile, commenting on the escape from National Police custody often suspected armed robbers, said that "any armed robber who resist rearrest by the police would be killed." According to the National Chonicle, Tate also said government should set an example by publicly executing criminals who take away the lives of innocent civilians for no good reasons. "If government publicly kill armed robbers you will see what will happen."

REFUGEES Over 300 "malnourished" Sierra Leonean refugees, including women and children, who reportedly

fled fierce fighting between Kamajors and junta forces in Sierra Leone over the week-end, have arrived in Grand Cape Mount County, western Liberia. They told reporters that several civilians were caught in the cross fire and killed. Meanwhile, a two-day UNHCR meeting to discuss the voluntary repatriation of some 479,000 Liberian refugees got underway on 15 September in Cote d'Ivoire. The Patriot. citing a dispatch from Guinea, reports that lack of a clear timetable and confusion among refugees about a US$200 offer from UNHCR have been holding up voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees from Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria. The report cites what it calls "credible sources" as saying that while funds for repatriation have been released bv the UN. local UNHCR authorities are relnd:mt to ..

zoo~

UNITED NATIONS MISSION D' OBSERVATION DES

O~VEll MISSION IN LIBERIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Pu!llc Jrifom,ation Utul

MEDIA SUMMARY

RESHUFFLE MOVES TATE BACK TO POLICE In what is being described as his "first reshuffle", President Taylor has moved Immigration Bureau

Chief Joe Tate back to Director of the National Police and made former police chief Charles Deshield National Security Adviser. S. Garyah Kannoh takes over as Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau which he previously served as Deputy Commissioner for Naturalization. He is replaced by former National Security Agency Chief, Osman Kannah. The President has also appointed Cllr. Theophilius Gould as Solicitor-General of Liberia. (ELBC, Star Radio, KISS FM, the Inguirer, and the News)

SIERRA LEONE Foreign Minister Monie Captan left for New York on 16 September to join other Foreign Ministers

of the ECOWAS Committee ofFive on Sierra Leone for a briefing of the Security Council. Meanwhile, at his weekly press conference at Executive Mansion on 12 September, Presidential Press Secretary Reginald Goodridge said the Security Council is the only body with the power to impose sanctions. He noted that "although ECOW AS has called for sanctions and an embargo on Sierra Leone and the enforcement [thereof]. .. the UN must lead the way in this respect and then ECOWAS can follow." Goodridge said President Taylor's concern is reflected in the appointment of former Ambassador Molly Scott as his Special Envoy on the Sierra Leonean crisis, charged with working in close collaboration with Foreign Minister Captan. The Press Secretary added that "no specific request" had come from ECOW AS to use Liberia to launch a strike against Sierra Leone or for the enforcement of sanctions or an embargo. Any such request would require both government acceptance with the backing of the National Legislature, he said. (The National and The Inquirer)

HUMAN RIGHTS BILL The News claims the Bill to set up of a Human Rights Commission lacks teeth and that everything is

being done to ensure that it "is passed into law as quickly as possible before [President Taylor leaves]. .. for the UN General Assembly" so that he may have use its establishment as "a trump card during this all important trip." The report notes, however, that a nwnber of human rights and civic organizations have been asked for their input. Among their recommendations: that the Commission be empowered to investigate complaints, to issue subpoenas demanding that witnesses appear, and that testimony and evidence it requires for its proceedings be made available to it. (The News)

NEW POLICE CHIEF CALLS FOR PUBLIC EXECUTIONS The Inquirer reports "uneasiness" among members of the Liberian National Police at Joe Tate's

return as Director of the force on grounds that he is likely to remove those he does not favour. Listed as likely to be affected iare Col. Eric Mensah, Chief Investigator, and Col. Munya Tamba, Chief of Intelligence. Tate, meanwhile, commenting on the escape from National Police custody of ten suspected armed robbers, said that "any armed robber who resist rearrest by the police would be killed." According to the National Chonicle, Tate also said government should set an example by publicly executing criminals who take away the lives of innocent civilians for no good reasons. "If government publicly kill armed robbers you will see what will happen."

REFUGEES Over 300 "malnourished" Sierra Leonean refugees, including women and children, who reportedly

fled fierce fighting between Karnajors and junta forces in Sierra Leone over the week-end, have arrived in Grand Cape Mount County, western Liberia. They told reporters that several civilians were caught in the cross fire and killed. Meanwhile, a two-day UNHCR meeting to discuss the voluntary repatriation of some 479,000 Liberian refugees got undeiway on 15 September in Cote d'Ivoire. The Patriot, citing a dispatch from Guinea, reports that lack of a clear timetable and confusion among refugees about a US$200 offer from UNHCR have been holding up voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees from Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria. The report cites what it calls "credible sources" as saying that while funds for repatriation have been released by the UN, local UNHCR authorities are reluctant to make the funds available to LRRRC for the repatriation. (The Inquirer. The National and The Patriot)

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SIRLEAF RETURNS, PERRY HONOURED The Unity Party's Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf returned to Liberia on 17 September, almost two

months since she left for the US. She told supporters she was happy that party membership had increased since the elections and said the UP should serve as a catalyst for a strong Liberian consensus and partnership to develop the country. While the UP "is preparing for the next polls" in six years' time, she said, opposition and government must now "work together for the common good". Mrs. JohnsonSirleaf was one of a distinguished group of Liberian women which gathered the next day to pay tribute to former State Council Chairman Mrs. Ruth Sando Perry for her contributions to the Liberian peace process. (The News and The Inquirer)

MALU PRAISES ECOMOG HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Victor Malu, has commended ECOMOG troops deployed in the "

Liberian hinterland for their humanitarian support and assistance to local population groups, especially returnees striving to re-start a normal life. In a separate story, Malu is reported as having ordered an investigation into recent allegations of criminal conduct by an ECOMOG soldier. (National and Ne~s)

JOURNALIST BARRED Local journalist H. Vasco Wiagbe has been barred from covering presidential activities at the

Executive Mansion by Press Secretary Reginald Goodridge who, in a letter to Information Minister Joe Mulbah, said the action was based on Wiagbe's "deliberate attempt to distort the issue surrounding the Liberian Government's relationship with the two Chinas." (The National)

FIRESTONE STRIKE Some employees of the Firestone Plantation Company have gone on strike to demand the release of

co-workers detained by police in the wake ofrecent strike action. The strikers described the detention of their 23 colleagues as "illegal and tantamount to jungle justice". They are reportedly appealing to human rights organizations to help secure their release.(The Inquirer)

AFL SURVEILLANCE OF EX-FIGHTERS The National reports that the AFL high command has ordered its soldiers to keep ex-fighters of the

disbanded factions, especially all ex-frontline commandos and generals, under surveillance in order to deter any attempt they might make to undermine Liberia's stability. The decision is said to relate to reports about some former fighters of the defunct ULIMO allegedly fighting alongside the Kamajor militia in Sierra Leone. (The National)

MINERAL RIGHTS Commonwealth Gold Limited Managing Director Andrew J. Cecil rejects recent reports that the "

Liberian government has mortgaged or sold out its mineral rights, saying the situation is being misconstrued in the media. "Those rights remain a sovereign right and cannot be dissipated in joint venture or other activities," Mr. Cecil said in an interview. He is in Liberia as guest of Lands, Mines and Enei;gy Minister Jenkins Dunba. (The National and The IUQuirer)

DEADLINE SET FOR CONFIRMATION HEARINGS Vice President Enoch Dogolea has announced that the Senate's confirmation hearings to screen

presidential appointees will end next week. The Vice President has issued a 10-day ultimatum to all presidential nominees to report for hearings. He told reporters that most appointees had failed to submit their curriculum vitae to the Senate. (Heritage and The Inguirer)

BLUNT SCHOOL An elementary school named in honour of BBC correspondent Elizabeth Blunt has been established

in Lofa County. The "Elizabeth Blunt School" provides free tuition to needy children, including orphans. (The lnqyirer)

PLEASE NCYfE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMll,'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS ORA WN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LmERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATJ'RIBUTED.

SfiH 'lrnONn 01 : so LB . BO / BT

13 / 09 '97 14: 58 '82129639924 l"'JOMIL HQS ·--

UNITED NATIONS -~, NATIONS UNIES ~ '

UNOMIL -? ,JsJ~ r.A._



FROM:

F:!J .

FAX NOS: 9 63 -1186 ~I:( 963-9070 963-7055

FAX NO: 231 -2 26 -0 35; 3-9924

PHONE NO: 231-226-049

DATE: 13 September 1997 Total No. of pages:2

SUBJECT: SRSG's tribute to IECOM Chairman

14!001

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OBSERVER MlSSION IN LDIERIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL rublic In ormatwn U11iz

PRESS RELEASE 12 September 19 9 7

FOR IMJ\1EDIATE RELEASE: The following tribute was paid to the late Chairman of IECOM, G. Henry Andrews, by Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General. Amb . Kalomoh was speaking at the wake held in St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Sinkor, Monrovia, on 12 September.

SRSG PAYS TRIBUTE TOG. HENRY ANDREWS On behalf my colleagues at UNOMIL and the United Nations agencies in Liberia, I wish to

convey to the Andrews family and to the people of Liberia our deepest condolences and sympathy on the untimely death of Chairman G. Henry Andrews. His sudden death came as a great shock to me personally as well as to my colleagues in UNOMIL, who had worked so closely with him and with the IECOM team during the hectic and momentous months leading up to the elections. We are truly saddened at bis passing.

Whether attending meetings in Monrovia, Geneva or Abuja, Chairman Andrews gave unstintingly of his energies and his time to the overriding concerns of the electoral process which he so ably steered through to its successful conclusion.

Elections are complicated affairs in normal circwnstances. This time, coming out of a devastating civil war, the task was even more daunting. There was no infrastructure either phxsical or institutional. Led by the Chairman, the Commission had to start from scratch, bwlding up the institutions and establishing the infrastructural arrangements both in Monrovia and the hinterland for the registration of voters, the conduct of the polling and the counting of the ballots.

Despite constraints ranging from a lack of resources and experience to an extremely tight timetable, IECOM, W1der the leadership of Chairman Andrews, was able to accomplish all these tasks in a credible, transparent manner, leaving no doubt as to the freedom and the fairness of the process.

More than anyone, the Andrews family must have been aware of how demanding and wrrelenting the Chairman's duties were in helping accomplish this, and of the toll they took on his reserves of stamina. Yet, at all times G. Henry Andrews remained steadfast in his commitment to the task at hand. He gave generously of his wisdom. and exercised his responsibilities with patience and courtesy in the service of ensuring that the elections would be free and fair.

In truth, the special elections of 19 July 1997 are, therefore, not only a crowning achievement in the recent history of Liberia, they are also a fitting epitaph for a devoted son of Liberia whom, in the short time of our acquaintance, I had become proud to call my friend.

We pray that he may rest in perfect peace.

Par further infonnation, telephone UNOMIL Public I.nfannation Unit ia Liberia at ill... 226·0f3/44 or 226·04B/49 (ext. 5113/14); via tJN BON.,,. York, l... 212·963-9927 (ext. 5113/14} [7>.Z: 212-963· 9924/51}

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UNITED NATIONS • NATIONS UNIES 8 UNOMIL

UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERI -----...

TO: Kevin Kennedy, F. Schottler Peter Swarbrick SG Spokesman's Office

FROM:

UNIT- UNOMIL

FAX NOS: 963-1186 963-9070

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

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I SUBJECT,Media Summary (10/11 Sept.)

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UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA OBSERVER MJSSION IN LIBEJUA MISSION D'OBSERV A TION DES LIBERlA

UNOMIL Public Information UniJ

MEDIA SUMMARY SEPl'EMBERl0-11

CHINA SUSPENDS DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS China has suspended diplomatic relations effective immediately with Liberia, according

to a statement issued by Chinese Ambassador Xie Ziheng on 9 September and published in The Inquirer (10 September). The Ambassador said: "I am instructed by my government to make a solemn statement and hereby lodge a strong protest with the government of Liberia and announce the decision of the People's Republic of China to suspend diplomatic relations with the Republic of Liberia as of today."

According to The Inquirer, Amb. Zihcng said that despite the People's Republic of China's repeated stance on the Taiwan question , Liberia had insisted on developing official relations with the Taiwan authorities, creating "dual recognition" and "two Chinas", thus seriously undermining China' s sovereignty.

There was no official comment in the absence of Foreign Minister Monie Captan. Some reports dwelt on China's vow to block UN assi stance to Liberia through the use of its veto.

Speaking at a lecture forum organized by the Liberian-Taiwanese Friendship organization on 10 September, T . Negbalee Warner, a Liberia Te1ecomrt1w1ication Corporation official, called for a review of UN resolution 2758. The same day, Taiwan presented US$90,000 to help restore electric power supply to the National Legislature. (The National and The Inquirer)

FIRESTONE RIOT AFTERMATH The Inquirer (11 September) reports that calm had been restored after 23 were arrested by

police and ECOMOG forces in the clashes at the Firestone rubber plantation at Harbel. It also cites unsubstantiated reports that two people may have drowned in a creek trying to flee the disturbances. S. Charles McCarthy, Secretary-General of the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia, blamed Labour Minister Thomas Woewiyu for the riot. He claimed the Minister made "irresponsible statements" when he visited the plantation last Friday by "saying that the employees were LPC and ex-ULIMO fighters."

Former fighters from the defunct NPFL, meanwhile, demonstrated at the offices of a security firm in Monrovia on 10 September, reportedly seeking their "entitlement" from the firm's proprietor. "We came from Firestone to get our money and our rice", they said. (Inquirer)

FUNERAL OF G. HENRY ANDREWS The funeral of the late IECOM Chairman, G. Henry Andrews, is scheduled to take place

on 13 September. Meantime, J. Kenna Bryemah, who had been Acting Chairman ofIECOM, has reportedly appealed to PresidentTaylor to help lift the freeze placed on IECOM's ITC accormt so that US$10,000 can be withdrawn to help the late Chairman's family and also to pay off some

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outstanding debts to election workers. (The Inquirer and ELBC)

ECOMOG TO PROVIDE SECURITY - AFL COS The Chief of Staff of the AFL, Lt. Gen. Prince C. Johnson, in a Defence Ministry release,

states that, pending the restructuring of the AFL, Liberia's security is solely in the hands of ECOMOG. (The News)

BOGUS TAX COLLECTORS Persons posing as tax collectors using fake documents and i.d.s from past administrations

are seriously hampering government revenue collection in Bong County, according to a report in The Inq:uirer (IO September). One revenue agent told reporters that the bogus ta.xmen had previously worked with the disbanded NP RAG and transitional governments. (The Inquirer)

COMPLAINANT MUST APPEAR IN "JACK THE REBEL" CASE Montserrado County Attorney Mardea Chenoweth says the court cannot proceed with the

case against George Dwaneh, alias "Jack the Rebel", unless complainant Chachu Captan, Dwaneh's alleged robbery victim, appears in court. (The News)

ALCOP DENIES KROMAH STORY ALCOP executive Sam Van Kesselly has described as "reckless, immature and

imaginative" the 8 September Patriot report alleging that ALCOP leader Alhaji Kromah had fled the country. Meantime, The Inquirer, expresses concern at persistent allegations of involvement by former factions in the Sierra Leone fighting, pointing out that such reports could trigger acts of revenge by "nnscrupulous individuals_" (The News and Inquirer)

PROJECTS WHO has given construction and sanitation materials worth US$1,000 to the Cornmwtlty

Health and Development Committee of Bo Waterside in Grand Cape Mount County through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Meantime, a Kak:ata-based UNICEF/Don Bosco project has graduated 19 trainees in soap making. (The Im1uirer)

NEWS BAN A number of news outlets were barred from covering the government ' s first cabinet

meeting on 8 September, apparantly on grounds that some senior officials objected to their coverage of President Taylor's activities. Excluded were Radio Veritas and Radio Liberty, the newspapers The HeritaEe, The Monrovia Daily News and The News, as well as the Liberia News Agency. Those permitted to cover the event included the Liberia Communication Networkowned KISS FM and Radio Liberia plus the Patriot newspaper, as well as The Inquirer, VOA, Reuters, and Star Radio_ (The National)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY QI,' THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED-

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UNITED NATIONS ~} NATIONS UNIES 9

UNOMIL _;; JJu2 cL c.,c..


-~ ' X , -7-J,>f

Kevin Kennedy , -' / - ii :h\. TO: FROM: Brian Kel y, C ef Peter Swarbrick Ji/) PUBLIC INFORMATION SG Spokesman's Office UNIT - UNOMIL

FAX NOs: 963-1186L---~k--to ~'2.tD? FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 963-9070 PHONE NO: 231-226-049 963-7055

DATE: 8-9 September 1997 Total No. of pages~ 4 SUBJECT: Media Summary

10 / 09 '97 12: 12 '8'2129639924 LNOMIL HQS

UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBEIIIA • ~~?-:~0~~~~~ AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Public ln/0TT1U1tion UniJ

MEDIA SUMMARY SEPTEMBER 8-9 1997

SIERRA LEONE TOPS CABINET AGENDA Addressing his first cabinet meeting (8 September), President Taylor spoke of the threat

posed to "our fragile democracy" by the Sierra Leonean situation and insisted that "we will act in the best interest of our people and the sub-region." Following the cabinet meeting, Information Minister Joe Mulbah told the BBC that the President had ordered the national security forces and ECOMOG to man the Liberian border with Sierra Leone. Mr. Mulbah said the government had also requested that UNHCR move all Sierra Lconean refugees in Liberia away from the border areas. The Minister dismissed claims that the Liberian government is supporting any armed group in Sierra Leone.

Also discussed at the cabinet meeting were the need to centralize the revenue collection system, civil servant salary arrears and the high crime rate. According to an Executive Mansion release, civil servants salary arrears will be paid before the President departs for the UN General Assembly.

At his third weekly press (5 September), Presidential Press Secretary Reginald Goodridge suggested that the next meeting of the ECOW AS Committee of Five on Sierra Leone might be held in Liberia. The issue of relations with China was also raised at the weekly press briefmg (5 September), with Mr. Goodridge saying that "as far as we are concerned" Liberia has diplomatic relation "only" with Taiwan. (The Inquirer , BBC, ELBC and The News)

FREETOWN SHELLING BBC's "Focus on Africa" (9 September) interviewed the cook of the "Seaway", one of

the ships shelled by ECOMOG in Freetown port on 6 September. According to the cook, there were 28 people on board when the bombardment began. Shells fell within 10 to 15 metres of the ship. One "bomb", which he estimated to be five-feet long, landed about 50 metres away. The cook denied that the vessel was carrying arms. He said it had sailed from Shanghai with the 15,700 metric ton cargo of rice which they had been unloading in Freeport when the shelling began. He further maintained that no-one on board the ship had been aware "that there was a blockade". (BBC)

PROTESTING FIRESTONE WORKERS INJURED Up to 15 protesting Firestone rubber plantation workers have been injured in clashes with

government and security forces outside the plantation's administrative offices in Harbel on 6 September. Warning shots were fired over the heads of workers as they protested the closure of nine divisions and non-payment of four years worth of benefits and back pay. (BBC, ELBC, Star Radio and Radio Veritas)

MULBAH DENIES LIBYAN AID REPORT Information Minister Joe Mulbah has described the Heritage (9 September) report of the

signing of a US$2 billion aid package by the governments of Libya and Liberia as "misleading"

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and designed to embarrass the government. [ A report was also carried by KISS FM on the putative agreement]. Minister Mulbah did confirm that Vice-President Dogolea had visited Morocco. He was also reported as visiting Tunisia and Ghana. (ELBC and Heritage)

KROMAH LEAVES LIBERIA? The Patriot (8 September) reports that AL COP leader and former head of the defunct

ULIMO-K Alhaji Kromah left Liberia on 2 September. The article claims he was driven across the Guinea border in an unmarked vehicle and was disguised as a market woman. It also alleges that Mr. Kromah has transferred large quantity of weapons to the Pujanhun District of Sierra Leone in preparation of an attack against Liberia. (The Patriot)

US SIERRA LEONEAN GROUP OPPOSES LIBERIAN ROLE The leader of a US-based Sierra Leonean pressure group, the Sierra Leone Movement for

Peace and Progress, has called for a total blockade to help restore the Kabbah government. Hassan Abdulai Cole, interviewed by Radio Netherlands African Service, urged ECOMOG to use force. He also took issue with President Taylor's recent description of the Kamajor militia as an illegal armed group, expressing strong reservation over the neutrality of the Liberian government in the ongoing crisis, and called on ECOW AS to remove Liberia from its Committee of Five. (Heritage)

DANISH AID PACKAGE Denmark has announced an aid package ofUS$40 million to assist Liberia in its recovery

programme. The DANIDA package prioritizes improved electricity generating capacity by LEC, road, water and sanitation schemes, and the health sector. (The Inquirer)

LIVESTOCK A joint one-day consultative workshop sponsored by the F AO and the Ministry of

Agriculture on livestock development in Liberia was held on 4 September. Meantime, a local NGO, Agro-Experiment Project, Inc., has donated 5,000 cassava cuttings and 300 kilograms of mung-beans to the FAO for distribution to needy farmers. (The News)

ITC OWES 0S$7.1 MILLION According to The Inquirer, an independent investigative audit conducted by a local

accounting firm reveals that the International Trust Company (ITC) owes the Liberian Government US$7,135,601. This represents the unpaid balance of accumulated tonnage taxes due the government from 1 January 1991 to 31 December 1995. The audit was reportedly prompted by a series of claims and counter-claims in government circles that the maritime funds were not being properly managed and administered. (The Inquirer)

ABACHAILL? A BBC report based on a Nigerian news magazine article that President Sani Abacha is

seriously ill with cirrosis of the liver, says that the Nigerian Head of State is being treated by a U.S. specialist. The report has been denied by an official in General Abacha's office who told Reuters that it was not true. According to the BBC's West African correspondent, those who had not seen the General for some time were shocked at his appearance during the recent ECOW AS

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Summit. (BBC, ELBC and Radio Viretas)

QUIAH IN SOUTH AFRICA

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Former State Councilman Oscar Quiah has left for South Africa on a private visit which will include a medical check-up. (The lnguirer)

KICK-BACK SCHEME The Daily Times reports that some senior government officials have allegedly received

kick-backs totaling up to US$8 million as part of an arrangement between the "mysterious" Liberia Resources Corporation and the South Afucan Amalia Gold Mining & Exploration Co. Ltd., whose subsidiary, Commonwealth Gold will "develop" all of Liberia's mining resources. (Daily Times)

REFUGEES The National reports that over 75,000 Liberian refugees have returned home from

Guinea, according to a briefing given by Lofa County refugee officials to a two-man UNHCR assessment team in Zorzor recently. Meantime, a four-man delegation from the German Technical Cooperation group (GTZ) and the Gueckedou Technical Education Center (G-TEC), in conjunction with UNHCR, is looking into the feasibility of setting up a technical and vocational institute in post-war Liberia. (The National)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF TffF. MF.DIA SIJMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACC.™CY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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UNOMIL ->)Ae_cl_'c/ '-


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FAX NOS: 963-1186 .......-- 0/I- .f,f.{c;.'~ -tJk

963-9070 963-7055

DATE: 8 September 1997

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FROM:

FAX NO: 231-226 - 035; 3 - 9924

PHONE NO: 231-226-049


SUBJECT: Media Summary (4 - 7 September)

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UNITED NATIONS OJISERV.l!Jt MISSION IN UllEKIA • NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

MISSION D'OBSllllVA 1TON DES LIDEIUA

UNOMIL Pr,bllc l ormatiott UniJ


GOVERNMENT ON "TWO CHINAS" POLICY According to reports in the National and Inquirer newspapers of 6 September, Press

Secretary Reginald Goodridge announced that the Liberian Government has recognized the People' s Republic of China and Taiwan during his weekly press conference on 5 September at Executive Mansion. ELBC, however, reported that Goodridge denied saying anything about dual recognition. (The National, The Inquirer and ELBC)

ECOMOG ISSUES FINAL WARNING AS FIGHTING RENEWS IN SIERRA LEONE According to the 7 September evening edition of BBC' s "Focus on Africa", ECOMOG

jets injured four people when they attacked shipping in Freetown harbour. The engine room of one ship was hit, a junta spokesman said, describing the attack as an abuse of the ECOMOG mandate. Renewed fighting was also reported overnight in southern Sierra Leone between junta forces and Kamajor militias reinforced by hundreds of youths from the north. The Kamajors were attempting to retake Zimmie, and were also reported attacking a town some l 7 miles west of the Liberian border. Kamajor commander Sam Hinga Noman, responding to President Charles Taylor's description of his militia as an " illegal group", told the BBC that "the men fighting with us" had been trained in part by the former NPFL.

Earlier, on 4 September, Nigerian ECOMOG troops attempting to enforce the ECOWASmandated blockade on Sierra Leone exchanged fire with the rebel military junta in Freetown . A number of shells reportedly hit the densely populated port area. Amidst conflicting reports, an AFP correspondent said he counted at least 30 bodies being buried. BBC correspondent, Victor Silva, since reported to be one of a num ber of journalists hiding out from the junta, reported seeing only two bodies. Junta leader Johnny Paul Koroma blamed all the deaths on the Nigerian troops, a charge flatly rejected by the commander of the Nigerian contingent who insisted that the ECOMOG shelling had been aimed at offloading ships which were defying the embargo.

Some residents did ascribe some of the casualties and damage to Sierra Leoncan guns . BBC's West Africa correspondent Elizabeth Blunt told "Focus on Africa" ofrepor1s that junta forces had taken a heavy gun from a "a Chinese gunboat" in the port, mounted it on a truck, and had driven around the Freetown area, firing from different positions. Blnnt also reported that women and children were among the casualties .

ECOMOG issued a "final warning" on 5 September to "unscrupulous shippers" to stay out of Sierra Leonean territorial waters andior air space. Only vessels and aircraft carrying humanitarian goods would be exempted from the sanctions embargo and these would only be allowed into Sierra Leone after inspection by ECOMOG, the statement said.

Eleven ECOMOG soldiers were killed and three seriously injured on 4 September when their vehicle carrying foodstuffs from Lungi to Jui Town was blown up by land mines. ECOMOG accused the junta oflaying the mines "to protect its position from imaginary ECOMOG attacks." (BBC, Star Radio, The News and The National)

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WAR OF WORDS The Daily Observer (September 4) has warned that the war of words brewing between

President Taylor and ALCOP leader Alhaji Kromah over the various allegations about military involvement in Sierra Leone is raising political tensions in Monrovia. Under the heading "Sad Recipes for Democracy'', the Heritage (6 September) warns of rumours "that this may well be the beginning of a well-orchestrated and calculated attempt to disable and demoralize presumed enemies and political opponents". Information Minister Joe Mulbah, meantime, has warned that Liberian territory will not be used as a springboard for intervention in Sierra Leone.

The Post (5 September) says Kromah used last week's press conference to offer his services to mediate the Sierra Leonean crisis. "I am prepared to mediate if requested by the authorities concerned." The newspaper adds that the ALCOP leader had indicated that Liberia's peace and security will remain incomplete as long as there is insecurity and war in Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, the Abidjan-based British Ambassador to Liberia, Margaret Rothwell, during a visit to ECOMOG hq, expressed her government's support for ECOW AS/ECOMOG efforts to resolve the Sierra Leonean conflict. (News and ~

THE ECONOMY AND THE PUBLIC PAYROLL An IMF/World Bank delegation is currently conducting a one-week assessment of the

Liberian economy. Officials of the African Development Bank and Price Waterhouse are expected to arrive in Monrovia on 7 September. A team of revenue experts from the Ghanaian Ministry of Finance is also expected under a bilateral arrangement to help the government identify weaknesses in the collection of customs duties and other revenues. Meantime, Finance Minister Elias Saleeby says his Ministry and the National Bank of Liberia are to be the subject of comprehensive audits shortly as part of efforts to determine the government's exact financial position.

Cut-backs and redW1dancies are planned in the public sector, according to the Daily ~ (5 September), to reduce the public wage bill by over L$230 million and ensure more accountable hiring practices. Deputy Minister of State Martin George says President Taylor has approved a massive redundancy scheme. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, where, it is alleged, many employees only put in an appearance on paydays, is also planning to overhaul its employment policies, according to a minsterial announcement. The Bureau ofimmigration and Naturalization is also trying to correlate its roster of employees to its payroll.

The National reports the dismissal of many individuals originally hired under the factional arrangements prevailing during LNTG II and UI by the Ministries of Finance and Commerce, the National Port Authority, and the Liberia Telecommunication Corporation (LTC). One of those dismissed cited his boss's explanation: "there are a lot of partisans that need to be compensated with jobs because they worked very hard to ensure the victory of the NPP in the just-ended elections." Former NPA employee, Lt. Col. Sekou V. Kamara, claimed that all employees dismissed at the port had been appointed to their posts by ALCOP leader Alhaji Kromah. (The National, Inquirer, Radio Veritas and The News)

RUTH MILTON CALLS FOR UNITY Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Ruth Milton, responding to criticism of her

selection to the post, has called for unity and cooperation amongst citizens of the county. She urged the citizens to put aside their differences and unite for the reconstruction of the county. (The National)

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ALCOP AND UPP TAKE SEATS ALCOP and UPP Senators and Representatives were inducted into office by the President

Pro Tern of the Liberian Senate on 4 September. Each pledged his/her cooperation in the interest of the people. (Radio Veritas)

UNHCR TO LAUNCH REPATRIATION UNHCR has announced that voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees residing in

neighbouring countries will begin next month. Meantime, a delegation representing Liberian refugees in Guinea is in the country to meet with President Taylor. (The National and The Inquirer)

SRSG'S CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF IECOM CHAIRMAN The letter of condolences sent by the SRSG to President Taylor on the death ofIECOM

Chairman, G. Henery Andrews, was widely covered by the Liberian print and broadcast media.

GOLD AND OIL PROSPECTS Lands, Mines and Energy Minister-designate Jenkins Dumbar says the Ministry has

issued 5,000 claims to individuals granting them gold mining rights in the country and that the number of claims issued may be increaaed to 15,000 in the near future. The Minister-designate also noted that the Ministry had compiled data on an oil deposit off Liberia's coast with the help of a US$5 million grant from the World Bank. Mr. Dumbar was speaking at his confirmation hearings. (National Chronicle)

POLICE IN CUSTODY Three policemen arrested in Kak:ata, Margibi county on 25 August in connection with

armed robbery on 25 August included a captain and a lieutenant. Also arrested was an unidentifed ECOMOG soldier. In Monrovia, police are holding a former Nigerian ECOMOG contingent member in custody on charges of leading a gang of armed robbers. Another policeman, George Dwana alias 'Jack the Rebel ' who was arrested for armed robbery, is expected to appear in court next week. Meanwhile, Police Director Charles Dcshield has commented "I am not surprised there is corruption in the police, because the salary structure promotes it." (The Inquirer)

MR.CATTHERATMAN A campaign to eliminate rats has been launched by G. Bono Harmon, popularly known as

"Mr. Cat". He bas appealed to national , international NGOs and UN agencies for the US$10,000 funding he needs to get his "Jungle Bite" programme up and running. "Mr. Cat", who also claims lo have the ability to transfonn decayed rats into an effective pharmaceutical rat poison, says he has recorded over 3,000 rat kills around the country. (The lnQuirer)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY HY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES TRF. ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS lN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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UNITED NATIONS • NATIONS U~IES

UNOMIL ->-~c{ccA-



FROM:

FAX NOs : 9 6 3 -118 61..--&lk"- 4 og,:zg:z 963-9070

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

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SUBJECT: Media Swmnary for 2/3 September

Page 1/

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OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBRRIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Pu.bl ·c 1 al1on Unit

MEDIA SUM:MARY SEPTRMBER J 1997

DEATH OF IECOM CHAIRMAN G. HENRY ANDREWS The death was announced on 3 September ofG. Henry Andrews, Chairman of the

Independent Elections Commission (IECOM). Mr. Andrews was admitted to St. Joseph's Catholic Hospital, Monrovia, on 2 September. The Chairman had recently returned to Monrovia from attending the ECOW AS Summit in Abuja.

The 69-year old Chaim1an, a lawyer and a former journalist, had served as Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting Corporation, forerunner of the state-owned Liberia Broadcast System, and as Liberia' s Ministry of Information in the 1970s. Mr. Andrews also served for a time as an executive with the African Development Bank in Abijan, Ivory Coast. (ELBC and BBC)

[Assistant Secretary-General Ibrahim Fall, in Monrovia for talks with President Charles Taylor, visited the family accompanied by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh, and UNOMIL' s Chief Military Observer, Maj. Gen. Sikandar Shami, to express official condolences on the death of Mr. Andrews. (UNOMIL)]

ECOWAS FREEZES IECOM ACCOUNT ECOWAS has frozen IECOM's bank account. Aaccording to a letter signed by Nigerian

Foreign Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, the freeze will remain in force until further notice. One of two IECOM accounts, the account in question holds about US$ 300,000. Chieflkirni has reportedly said that ECOW AS Chairman, Nigerian Head of State President Sani Abacha, will consult with President Charles Taylor on how to dispose ofIECOM's financial assets. Ikimi has reportedly also said that all signatory powers, save that of the ECOW AS Commissioner to IECOM, are to be withdrawn. Meantime, IECOM has assured election officials that their benefits, bonuses and other expenses will be taken care of. IECOM Acting Chairman Bryemah told staff on 2 September that IECOM will negotiate with ECOW AS to take care off what he called "unresolved problems".

Some of those "unresolved problems" manifested themselves at IECOM headquarters on 2 September as election officers including magistrates and coordinators demanded payment of arrears totalling about US$6,860 and L$603 ,621 . Some claimed "we are now being held responsible by landlords to settle the arrears for office space." Acting Chairman Bryemah, confirming the arrears, said IECOM is due to get US$300,000 from ECOW AS to settle its accounts. According to one report, the funds sent by ECOW AS are at ITC. (Star Radio and~ Inquirer)

TAYLOR MEETS DIPLOMATIC CORPS President Charles Taylor told members of the Diplomatic Corps at a 2 September meeting in

Executive Mansion that their governments' response to Liberia' s reconstruction needs will help determine his administration's ability to meet the urgent expectations of a war-ravaged nation. He reaffirmed his adminstration' s commitment to respect human rights and to foster reconciliation among Liberians and reiterated the government's determination to restore economic and financial growth and stability to the nation. The President appealed to the EU, the US, Japan and others for assistance at this critical juncture in Liberia's history. (Radio Veritas)

KAMAJORS EXECUTE FOUR CIVILIANS

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BBC's "Focus on Africa" on 2 September reported the execution of four civilians by Kamajor militia about 25 miles from Bo in Sierra Leone. The four, three men and a woman, were taken out of taxi at a Kamajor checkpoint. Their interrogators, suspecting them of being associated with the military junta, summarily executed the four by decapitation. BBC reported 3 September that its correspondent was subsequently taken into custody at Bo and roughed up by

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junta forces there who objected to the implication in his earlier report that Kamajors controlled the surrounding roads.

A News editorial urges the Government to live up to its appointment to the ECOWAS Committee of Five. The editorial, noting reports that elements linked to former Liberian factions are fighting alongside the two opposing forces in Sierra Leone, says ''we don't want the war in Sierra Leone to be an extension of our senseless war."

On the same issue, The Inquirer calls on Liberia's leaders not to jeopardise the lives of particular [ethnic] groups in Liberia by portraying the involvement of individual former-faction fighters in the Sierra Leoneari fighting as being representative of such groups.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Peter Bonner Jallah says Liberia will fully implement the ECOW AS-imposed sanctions against the "illegal" Koroma military junta in Sierra Leone.

The News reports Grand Cape Mount County Representative Mohamed M. Kiawo as saying that the presence of Ka.majors in towns along the Liberian-Sierra Leonean border is a serious threat to Liberian sovereignty. (BBC, The News and The Inquirer)

POLICE RICE President Taylor has donated 1,000 bags of rice to the Liberia National Police because of

the improved response of the LNP-ECOMOG joint operation to reduce crime. (The Inquirer)

SUPERINTENDENT OPPOSED Maryland county citizens, opposing Victor N . Walker as county superintendent, want

President Taylor to replace him with Herny Nyema Prowd Jr. (The Inquirer)

USCONGRATULATESECOWAS The US has congratulated ECOW AS for the success of the Liberian elections which State

Department spokesman James P. Rubin attributed "largely to the peacekeeping efforts of ECOMOG, guided by the diplomatic and political leadership of ECOW AS". Rubin said the determination and commitment ofECOWAS to bring peace and stability to Liberia is a tribute to the ability of the West African subregion collectively to solve its problems. The US, he added, also looks forward "to working with ECOW AS to help resolve peacefully other regional issues of mutual concern such as the crisis in Sierra Leone." (The Inguirer)

VICE PRESIDENT'S TRIP FOLLOWS MEETING WITH LJBY ANS Vice President Enoch M. Dogolea left on 31 August to visit a number of countries including

Tunisia, Morocco and South Afiica. Members of his delegation include Foreign Minister Monie Captan, Ambassador-At-Large Moses Blah, presidential Military Adviser, Rtd. Gen. Isaac Musa, Senator Grace Minor and Deputy Maritime Commissioner, Alfred Mehn. The News, meanwhile, cites sources suggesting that, prior to his departure, the Vice President held a series of meetings with a Libyan delegation, which reportedly arrived unannounced in the country recently.

Also travelling is former FOP presidential candidate Fayah J. Sahr Gbollie, who left on l September for South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, reportedly to meet with foreign investors. (The N:ews, KISS FM and The Inquirer)

CHILDREN EXPOSED TO DANGEROUS MINING CONDITIONS The Inquirer reports six deaths due to mining accidents at the Dean Town, Kokoya District

gold mine site. Up to 5,000 demobilized combatants from all the former factions are mining in the area. Some 12,000 people are estimated as living in the large make-shift camp. A reporter who recently visited the area observed children aged 8 to 15 years working as miners in conditions where they were often exposed to the dangers of pit collapses. (The lnqyirer)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEJTHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

{j)

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½ UNITED NATIONS (.) NATION~ UNIES P·

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FAX NOs: 963-1186-l'.H(C..l(}8J'f-i. e,J..,/ FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 963-9070 PHONE NO: 231-226-049 963-7055- .,~< 0 ~ o 'i ~oi:...;.J


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ODSEBVER MISSION IN LIBERIA

UNQMJL MROTA STJMMARY SKPTFKBFP l 1997

KROMAH MYSTIFIED BY TAYLOR'S ULIMO REMARKS ALCOP leader Alhaji Kromah, interviewed by BBC' "Focus on Africa", claimed to be mystified by President Charles Taylor's charge tna ex-ULIMO fighters supRorting the Kamajors in their resistance to the forces of the Sierra .Ceonean coup _posed a threat to the stability of Liberia. Kromah said it was "too early to be making these Rind of allegations" and adcfed that he was not aware of any ULIMO _personnel involved in the fighting. If there were, they had to be "doing it on their own." He deounked the idea that any offiis former ULIMO supporters would want fo destablize the Liberian Government, pointing out that they had repeatedly declared a commitment to never again fight or bring war. As former leader oftbe defunct faction_hK.romah said he did not know wfiere an the individuals once affiliated with ULIMO might be. ne added that he was sure the same applied for the leadership of the former ULIMO-J. Mr. Kromah said he had spoken with President Taylor on the phone while the latter was in Abuja and that the conversation had been friendly and relaxed which only compounded his mystrfication at the President's remarks about UL1MO. (BBC)

TAYLOR'S ADDRESS Coverage of President Taylor's addresss on the ECOWAS Summit focused on his concerns

about the involvement of former ULIMO-K fighters with Kamajors in the Sierra Leone fighting and the potential threat posed to Liberian stability. Also covered in the context of the finaf Summit communique was the Nigerian Head of State President Sani Abacha's re-election as ECOW AS Chairman, and the election of Lassana Kwateh of Guinea as ECOWAS Secreta,ry General in succession to Edward Benjamin who has been ill for some time. (The Inquirer, ELBC, KISS FM, Star Radio)

EX-NPFL GENERAL ARRESTED FOR ARMED ROBBERY Defunct NPFL former general Jeffy Dwana poP,ularly known as "Jack The Rebel" and now a

member of the Liberian police assignecl to the Special Security Services (SSS) has been arrested in Monrovia for armed robbery. According to security sources, the accused used his service we~on to rob businessman Chachu Captan, brother of Foreign Minister Monie R. Captan, of US$100 in Monrovia. The suspect is in police custody. NewspaP.er accounts say Dwana was reportedly one of the most trusted generals of the then NPFL leaaer Charles Taylor. Now, as the first official of one of the ex-factions to be held for the alleged commission of a crime, his arrest is seen as either a test or proof of President Taylor's determination to enforce the law without fear or favour. (The Inqmrer and The News)

FIRESTONE ACCUSED OF ECONOMIC SABOTAGE The Patript accuses the management of the Firestone Plantation ComP.any of economic

sabotage against the Liberian Government throu_gh workforce lay-offs ancl the closure of nine divisions. The report cites sources to the effect tliat Firestone Management has been uneasy since President Taylors election. It says that following a meeting with the President, management has abandoned negotiations with the workers' union. Moreover, it says that the company has been sending repons to its Akron, Ohio, headquarters suggesting that the situation in Liberia is insecure and that the comP-any's operations are being unduely hampered by the Government. The article maintains that Firestone is responding in particular to President Taylor's inauguration statement that concession firms should__produce manufactures in Liberia. According to the article's sources, Firestone has reportedly _paid its expatriate staff and begun folding up most of its facilities. Meantime, Deputy I:abour Minister Emmanuel Lomax has Ted a three-man delegation to Harbel for talks with Firestone management. (The Patriot)

HELP FOR NATIONAL RADIO The Ing,ujrer has called on the Government to support the Liberia Broadcasting Sytem (LBS)

in order that it can effectively and efficiently discharge its duties in informing, educatmg and entertaining the Liberian people. The state-owned radio station has a crucial role to play in the reconstruction, reconciliation and reunification of Liberia. The editorial took issue witli the government practice of not including LBS personnel aIQ.ong thos~ de~ignated to attend mtemational conferences and/or to accompany the President on his tnps abroad. Instead1 LBS has to monitor the BBC or VOA in order keep the Liberian people infonned. T:qe editonal ~lso pointed out that the station's coverr!g_e of major national events 1s severely handicapped by 1ts lack of proper Outside Broadcast (OB) equipment. (Ihe Inquirer)

GHANAIAN EMBASSY TO RE-OPEN . . . During his recent state visit to Liberiai Ghanaian ~resident J~rry Rawlmg~ said his

government has finalized plans to reopen its embassy m Monrovia. (The Patnot)

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UNOMIL HQS

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IECOM acting chairman J. Konn.a Bix,emah has described as a "complete fabrication" the 29 August report in tne Daily Obse_)hr that IECOM must be audited". In another rebuttal, the Mana_ging Director-designate oft e Monrovia Transit Authority CMTA), D. Armah Youlo, has descnl'>ea as baseless ano irresponsible a front-page story in the 2'3-26 August edition of the Heritage newspaper which claimed that he had tramed over 500 AFL-ULIMO men to fight alongside the military junta in Sierra Leone. (Inquirer, News and The Patriot)

LIBYAN VISITORS The Patriot rimorts that a Libyan government delegation is expected in Liberia this week,

reciprocating a visit to Tripoli by a Liberian delegation in early August. (The Patriot)

HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE Greboes of Lower Grand Gedeh are protesting_ Ruth Milton's appointment as Superintendent

of Grand Gedeh County because of her liuman rights record while serving_as commander of the defunct LPC forces in the county durin__g the civi1crisis. According to the Patriot LPC forces under her command were responsible for the massacre of dozens of Greboes m the county because of their alleged support for the now defunct NPFL. The newsP.aper reports that petitioning citizens claim Mrs. Milton is not a syr_nbol of peace, given her past role in tqe P.redommant_]y Krahn LPCtand they allege that she currently hofds about 350 Greboes m aetention in Putu Jaoudi. ( he Patriot)

LOWER SHIPPING INSURANCE RA TES The lifting of the 12 nautical mile "embargo zone" off the Liberian coast by ECOMOG

means that snipping owners will no longer be required to take out expensive ''war risk" insurance for vessels calling at Liberian ports. (Tlie Inquirer)

MORE ARMS FOUND ECOMOG DFC-1 Brigadier General Joe Kwanteng says the force has retrieved a

substantial quantity~ of rums since the 19 July elections tollowing a series of regular cordon and search operations. The quantity of arms collected was not disclosed. (The Patriot)

LIGHTING UP The Liberian Electricity Corporation (LEC) has begun SUPP.lying electricity to parts of

Monrovia in a major testing of the LEC transmission and disfnbution network. (Tlie Inquirer)

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UNITED NATI8NS {~) NATIONS UNIES (j) -UNO MIL v' JI a' u-(-7 th vl t, L



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I SOBJECT, Media Sununary (4-7 Sept<mber)

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MISSION D'OBSERVA'ltON DES LIDEIUA

UNOMIL Public 1 ormai,on UniJ


GOVERNMENT ON "TWO CHINAS" POLICY According to reports in the National and Tnq,uirer newspapers of 6 September, Press

Secretary Reginald Goodridge announced that lhe Liberian Government has recognized the People's Republic of China and Taiwan during his weekly press conference on 5 September at Executive Mansion. ELBC, however, reported that Goodridge denied saying anything about dual recognition. (The National, The Inquirer and ELBC)

ECOMOG ISSUES FINAL WARNING AS FIGHTING RENEWS IN SIERRA LEONE According to the 7 September evening edition of BBC's "Focus on Africa", ECOMOG

jets injured four people when they attacked shipping in Freetown harbour. The engine room of one ship was hit, a junta spokesman said, describing the attack as an abuse of the ECOMOG mandate. Renewed fighting was also reported overnight in southern Sierra Leone between junta forces and Kamajor militias reinforced by hundreds of youths from the north. The Kamajors were attempting to retake Zimmie, and were also reported attacking a town some 17 miles west of the Liberian border. Kamajor commander Sam Hinga Noman, responding to President Charles Taylor's description of his militia as an " illegal group", told the BBC that "the men fighting with us" had been trained in part by the former NPFL.

Earlier, on 4 September, Nigerian ECOMOG troops attempting to enforce the ECOW ASmandated blockade on Sierra Leone exchanged fire with the rebel military junta in Freetown . A number of shells reportedly hit the densely populated port area. Amidst conflicting reports, an AFP correspondent said he counted at least 30 bodies being buried. BBC correspondent, Victor Silva, since reported to be one of a number of journalists hiding out from the junta, reported seeing only two bodies. Junta leader Johnny Paul Koroma blamed all the deaths on the Nigerian troops, a charge flatly rejected by the commander of the Nigerian contingent who insisted that the ECOMOG shelJing had been aimed at offloading ships which were defying the embargo.

Some residents did ascribe some of the casualties and damage to Sierra Leonean guns. BBC's West Africa correspondent Elizabeth Blunt told "Focus on Africa" ofreports that junta forces had taken a heavy gun from a "a Chinese gunboat" in the port, mounted it on a truck, and had driven around the Freetown area, firing from different positions. Blnnt also reported that women and children were among the casualties .

ECOMOG issued a .. final warning" on 5 September to ''unscrupulous shippers" to stay out of Sierra Leonean territorial waters and/or air space. Only vessels and aircraft carrying humanitarian goods would be exempted from the sanctions embargo and these would only be a11owed into Sierra Leone after inspection by ECOMOG, the statement~said.

Eleven ECOMOG soldiers were killed and three seriously injured on 4 September when their vehicle carrying foodstuffs from Lungi to Jui Town was blown up by land mines. ECOMOG accused the junta of laying the mines "to protect its position from imaginary ECOMOG attacks." (BBC, Star Radio, The News and The National)

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WAR OF WORDS The Daily Observer (September 4) has warned that the war of words brewing between

President Taylor and ALCOP leader Alhaji Kromah over the various allegations about military involvement in Sierra Leone is raising political tensions in Monrovia. Under the heading "Sad Recipes for Democracy", the Heritage (6 September) warns of rumours "that this may well be the beginning of a wen-orchestrated and calculated attempt to disable and demoralize presumed enemies and political opponents". Information Minister Joe Mulbah, meantime, has warned that Liberian territory will not be used as a springboard for intervention in Sierra Leone.

The Post (5 September) says Kromah used last week's press conference to offer his services to mediate the Sierra Leonean crisis. "I am prepared to mediate i( requested by the authorities concerned." The newspaper adds that the ALCOP leader had indicated that Liberia's peace and security will remain incomplete as long as there is insecurity and war in Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, the Abidjan-based British Ambassador to Liberia, Margaret Rothwell, during a visit to ECOMOG hq, expressed her government's support for ECOW AS/ECOMOG efforts to resolve the Sierra Leonean. conflict. (News and~

THE ECONOMY AND THE PUBLIC PAYROLL An IMF/World Bank delegation is currently conducting a one-week assessment of the

Liberian economy. Officials of the African Development Bank and Price Waterhouse arc expected to arrive in Monrovia on 7 September. A team ofrevenue experts from the Ghanaian. Ministry of Finance is also expected under a bilateral arrangement to help the government identify weaknesses in the collection of customs duties and other revenues. Meantime, Finance Minister Elias Saleeby says his Ministry and the National Bank of Liberia are to be the subject of comprehensive audits shortly as part of efforts to determine the government's exact financial position.

Cut-backs and redundancies are planned in the public sector, according to the Daily Times (5 September), to reduce the public wage bill by over L$230 mil1ion and ensure more accountable hiring practices. Deputy Minister of State Martin George says President Taylor has approved a massive redundancy scheme. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, where, it is alleged, many employees only put in an appearance on paydays, is also planning to overhaul its employment policies, according to a minsterial announcement. The Bureau oflmmigration and Naturalization is also trying to correlate its roster of employees to its payroll.

The National reports the dismissal of many individuals originally hired under the factional arrangements prevailing during LNTG II and III by the Ministries of Finance and Commerce, the National Port Authority, and the Liberia Telecommunication Corporation (LTC). One of those dismissed cited his boss's explanation: "there are a lot of partisans that need to be compensated with jobs because they worked very hard to ensure the victory of the NPP in the just-ended elections." Former NPA employee, Lt. Col. Sekou V. Kamara, claimed that all employees dismissed at the port had been appointed to their posts by ALCOP leader Alhaji Kromah. (The National, Inquirer, Radio Veritas and The News)

RUTH MILTON CALLS FOR UNITY Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Ruth Milton, responding to criticism of her

selection to the post, has called for unity and cooperation amongst citizens of the county. She urged the citizens to put aside their differences and unite for the reconstruction of the county. (The National)

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ALCOP AND UPP TAKE SEATS ALCOP and UPP Senators and Representatives were inducted into office by the President

Pro Tern of the Liberian Senate on 4 September. Each pledged his/her cooperation in the interest ofthe people. (Radio Veritas)

UNHCR TO LAUNCH REPATRIATION UNHCR has announced that voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees residing in

neighbouring countries will begin next month. Meantime, a delegation representing Liberian refugees in Guinea is in the country to meet with President Taylor. (The National and The Inquirer)

SRSG'S CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF JECOM CHAIRMAN The letter of condolences sent by the SRSG to President Taylor on the death ofIECOM

Chairman, G. Henery Andrews, was widely covered by the Liberian print and broadcast media.

GOLD AND OIL PROSPECTS Lands, Mines and Energy Minister-designate Jenkins Dumbar says the Ministry has

issued 5,000 claims to individuals granting them gold mining rights in the country and that the number of claims issued may be increaaed to 15,000 in the near future. The Minister-designate also noted that the Ministry had compiled data on an oil deposit off Liberia's coast with the help of a US$5 million grant from the World Bank. Mr. Dumbar was speaking at his confirmation hearings. (National Chronicle)

POLICE IN CUSTODY Three policemen arrested in Kak.ata, Margibi county on 25 August in connection with

armed robbery on 25 August included a captain and a lieutenant. Also arrested was an unidentifed ECOMOG soldier. In Monrovia, police are holding a former Nigerian ECOMOG contingent member in custody on charges of leading a gang of armed robbers. Another policeman, George Dwana alias 'Jack the Rebel' who was arrested for anned robbery, is expected to appear in court next week. Meanwhile, Police Director Charles Dcshield has commented "I am not surprised there is corruption in the police, because the salary structure promotes it." (The Inquirer)

MR. CAT THE RAT MAN A campaign to eliminate rats has been launched by G. Bono Harmon, popularly known as

'"Mr. Cat". He has appealed to national , international NGOs and UN agencies for the US$ I 0,000 funding he needs to get his "Jungle Bite" programme up and running. "Mr. Cat", who also claims to have the ability to transform decayed rats into an effective pharmaceutical rat poison, says he has recorded over 3,000 rat kills around the cotmtry. (The Inquirer)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMJL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY A TTRIBUfED.

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FAX NOs: 963 -1186 ✓·:.V- 4 I/0/4 ~ FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3 - 9924 963-9070 PHONE NO: 231-226-049 963-7055

DATE:31 August 1997 Total No. of pages: 4

I SUBJECT' MEDIA SUMMARY FOR 28-31 AUGUST

I

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UNITED NATIONS MlSSlON D' 01!61::KVATION DES

OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMlL Public l onnation Unil

MEDIA SUMMA.RY August 28-31 1997

TAYLOR ADDRESSES NATION ON SUMMIT -- WARNS EX-ULIMO ELEMENTS In a live broadcast marking his return from Abuja on 31 August, President Charles Taylor

told the nation that Liberia had persuaded ECOWAS to adopt the Liberian peace plan as a blueprint for conflict resolution in the sub-region. The President confirmed the extension of ECOMOG's presence in Liberia until February 1998 and the Summit' s approval of a package of sanctions and embargoes to ensure the restoration of peace and return to power of the "legitimate government" of President Tejan Kabbah.

President Taylor noted that he had informed the ECOW AS leadership of "our concern that elements of the former warring faction ULNO-K are involved in military activities with an illegal group in our sister republic Sierra Leone called the Kamajors." He said he had informed his Summit colleagues that" we saw this as a covert attempt to rearm and destablize the Government of Liberia and put our people into more discord ." He had made it very clear at the Summit that Liberia would "resist any attempt by any group coming out of Sierra Leone to destablise the peacefullness of Liberia."

Calling for a programme to further the process of disannament in Liberia, the President urged citizens to report the presence of am1s and ammunition to local leaders and security authorities without fear ofreprisal. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of National Defence would collaborate with ECOMOG to retrieve these weapons. ECOMOG, he noted, would be structuring a new profile under an agreeement to enhance securi ty and capacity building. Again, the President warned "those elements that for some reason are dissatisfied and believe that they can covertly send their men to rearm to destabilize this country" that the government and people of Liberia would resist such efforts "to the fullest."

President Taylor noted that ECOW AS had lifted all sanctions and embargoes on Liberia and that the international community had been requested to do the same. The Summit, he added, had also agreed to enlarge the Committee of Four to a Committee of Five with the inclusion of Liberia and to upgrade its status from the ministerial level to that of Heads of State.

Earlier radio reports out of Abuja had taken note that the ECOW AS Heads of States' communique called for a full -scale blockade to reinforce the sanctions already approved to help bring about the ouster of the junta-led coup and that, in addition to instructing the ECOWAS secretariat to negotiate an extension of the ECOMOG mandate with the approval of the Liberian government, the leaders had called on the subregional secretariat to involve itself in Liberia's reconstruction efforts. (Star Radio, VOA and ELBC)

KROMAH OFFERS HIS SUPPORT - DENIES ULIMO REPORTS At a press conference held on 29 August, ALCOP leader Alhaji K.romah said he was

prepared to take part in external and internal peace missions on behalf of Liberia. He said ALCOP was fully committed to the rule of law, and appealed to political parties to support the democratic and reconstruction process. He also urged refugees to return home. The former leader of the defunct ULIMO-K faction dismissed as " speculation" reports lhat ex-fighters of ULIMOK were involved in the fighting in Sierra Leone. (ELBC and Star Radio)

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ALCOP AND UPP TO TAKE SEATS ALCOP and UPP have agreed to take their seats in the national legislature. In separate

letters to the two parties, IECOM acting chainnan J. Kromah Bryemah said that IECOM would uphold the provisions of the special elections law and issue certificates to those candidates whose names had been listed with clear county designations. Certification must take place by September 2, when the IECOM mandate expires. ALCOP won two seats in the Senate and three seats in the House of Representatives while UPP won two seats in the House.

Meantime, the acting chairman says, pending an audit of IECOM, the election will be incomplete. Interviewed by the Daily Observer on 28 August, Commissioner Bryernah said it was important that IECOM undergo an audit to ensure proper accountability for the funds it received from western donors. Bryemah indicated that among those who had supported IECOM with equipment and other special assistance, Nigeria had now withdrawn the seven vehicles it had donated while UNDP had retrieved 26 motorcycles and computers. The EU, he said, is expected to follow suit shortly. (Daily Observer and The News)

WHO GETS THE ARMS? The Daily Observer of 29 August previewed anticipated talks between ECOW AS/ECOMOG,

UNOMIL and the Liberian government over custody of the anns retrieved by ECOMOG during and after the disarmament phase. It stated concerns as to whether the anns will be turned over to ECOMOG, UNOMTL, the Liberian Government or whether they will be destroyed as was done in the case of Mali. The report cites diplomatic sources in Monrovia as indicating fears in the international community that the arms could end up in the international arms market, with potentially disastrous consequences for the sub-region. According to the newspaper's sources, a decision to tum the arms over to President Taylor ' s new government might not go down too well elsewhere in the sub-region. It notes that President Kabbah has made no secret of his displeasure over the alleged involvement in Sierra Leone of former NPFL fighters with the RUF. The article states that former NPFL General Mosquito, said to have played a key role in the overthrow of President Kabbah last May, has reportedly made several appearances on Sierra Leonean TV with junta leader Johnny Paul Koroma.(Daily Observer)

CREDENTIALS CHALLENGED Philip Saah Tali's right to represent Foyah Distiict in Lofa County (Constituency No.5) is

being challenged by a youth group which claims that Tennyson S. Fakomia was nominated as the constituency's candidate at the NPP convention. The group maintains that Mr. Fakomia's name was forwarded to IECOM and subsequently published. (The Inquirer)

PRINCE JOHNSON ACKNOWLEDGES TAYLOR PRESIDENCY Prince Y. Johnson, interviewed by BBC's "Focus on Africa" on 29 August, said he supported

President Charles Taylor and that the differences between them concerned some of the men he [Taylor] had "recruited." The former dissident leader, now living in Lagos, said he respected "the people's mandate" which had been given to President Taylor and indicated that he would like to return to Liberia and support the programme of reconstruction. (BBC)

ALLEGED BRUTALITY LEADS TO DISMISSALS Four immigration officers have been dismissed for allegedly brutalizing a Guinean nationai,

Amadu Sow, in New K.ru Town for failing to exhibit his residence permit. (Star Radio)

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MUSLIM DIVISIONS The Post reports a split in the ranks of Liberian Muslims with the emergence of three groups

within the National Muslim Council. (ELBC, Radio Veritas and Star Radio and·The Post)

CALL FOR FEWER GOVERNMENT POSTS

t!(~

The News calls on President Taylor to reconsider the necessity of certain government posts in the wake of his appeal for belt-tightening. Posts singled out as possibly superfluous include Minister of State Without Portfolio, Director General of the Cabinet, and Adviser on Commerce. The editorial also suggests the amalgamation of the Ministries of Education and Youth and Sports as well as the Labour Ministry and Civil Service Agency. (The News)

REFUGEE INFLUX CLAIMED The Inquirer of 29 August carries a front page report that 11,000 needy refugees have arrived

in Kongo, Mano River, Grand Cape Mount County, having fled the fighting in Sien-a Leone. The newspaper attributes its exclusive story to a local medic currently visiting Momovia.

AIRPORTS TO REOPEN The EU is reported to be preparing to assist in the repair and reopening of airports at

Sanniquellie, Zwedru and, later, Harper and Voinjama. (Star Radio)

SHIPPING LIMIT LIFTED According to the 30 August issue of Heritage, the ECOMOG High Command has lifted the

12-mile coastal shipping limit.

PLEASE NOTE; PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMil.'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED,

~ ~

28 / 08 '97 13:07 'a2129639924 UNOMT L HQS ~_QOl_.

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~ /l f.fS-c Av~ '1 f-UNITED NATIONS .OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA


FAX NOs: 963-1186-0V: /JtlScl-963-9070 963-7055

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FROM Chief 'IK.Dl~MJ\TION

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SUBJECT: Media Swmnary for 26-27 August

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UNITED NATIONS MISSION D' OBSERVATION DE6


UNOMIL Public ln.fo111Ullion Ullil

MEDIA SUMMARY Auguat 26-27 ZYY7

RAWLINGS VISITS - TAYLOR LEAVES FOR ABUJA In a joint communique issued to mark Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings first state visit to

Liberia, he and President Charles Taylor endorsed the call by ECOW AS, the OAU and the United Nations for the re-instatement of the Sierra Leonean government. The two leaders noted that the crisis in Sierra Leone poses a serious threat to peace and security in the sub-region and called on the military junta of Johnny Paul Koroma to cooperate with international efforts to restore the peace there. Meantime, Liberi a and Ghana have agreed to establish a trade mission between their two countries. Earlier, speaking of the Liberian peace process, President Rawlings said it was gratifying that an African initiative, especially one born out of efforts in the West African sub-region, had led to peace in a sister country. Liberia now faced the "awesome" task of reconstruction. He urged Liberians to put mechanisms in place to "attract foreign aid", noting that if the citizens are together, "the international community will come to the aid of Liberia."

Prior to his own departure for Abuja on 27 August, President Taylor took exception to what he called "malicious interpretations" on the part of some about government statements concerning plans to deal with the financial situation his administration had inherited. The President said that while there were indeed problems in Liberia, people could rest assured that "he is up to handling the problem." (Star Radio, ELBC and The Inquirer)

SECURITY COUNCIL BACKS ECOW AS ON SIERRA LEONE UN Security Council President Sir John Weston says the situation in Sierra Leone "remains

very unsatisfactory," and that the Security Council is consulting with West African nations to see what measure can be taken to force the junta to return to talks. The U.K. Ambassador said the Council is continuing to back "the difficult role" being played by the UN Special Envoy and the ECOW AS Committee of Four. (The Inquirer)

ECOMOG EXTENSION RECOMMENDED According to Radio Veritas, the ECOWAS Foreign Ministers meeting in Abuja agreed on 27

August to recommend that a 3,000 strong ECOWAS force remains on in Liberia after the force's current mandate expires. ECOMOG Force Commander Maj. Gen. Victor Malu had said earlier that the contingent could be scaled down, indicating that a reduced force would train the Liberian army in addition to securing strategic border points, especially those along the Liberian/Sierra Leone border. Editorials in the Post and~ paid tribute to ECOMOG's 24 August celebration of its seventh anniversary in Liberia. (Radio Veritas, Star Radio and ELBC)

SIERRA LEONEAN JOURNALISTS TO BE EXPELLED The AFRC regime in Sierra Leone has decided to expel journalists perceived to be opposed

to the coup and/or responsible for publishing articles against the junta. Meanwhile, the Tabloid newspaper editor, G. Foday Musa, has joined Minister of Mines Prince Harding, Defence Minister (Rtd.) Capt. Hinga Nonna, and Deputy Police Commissioner George Kanyanko in exile in Liberia. (The News)

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LIBYAN FUNDS FOR NEW GOVERNMENT? According to diplomatic sources cited by the Heritage, Libya will give US$2 billion to the

new Taylor-led government but only if Libya can appoint an ambassadOT in Monrovia and technical advisers "to work along with the government." The report goes on to say that Executive Mansion sources claim the offer will be accepted because of the government's urgent need to tackle such pressing issues as "the payment of civil servants' salaries." Another source is quoted as saying that since the Europeans and Americans "do not want to give us money, we will take money from any country no matter what its political orientation is." (Heritage)

DEPARTURES The Post reports the departure from Liberia of a number of prominent politicians since the

elections. Named are: Mrs. ElJen Johnson-Sirleaf (UP), G. Baccus Matthews (UPP) and H. Boima Fahnbulleh (RAP). The paper could not confirm the departure of Dr. Togba Nah-Tipoteh of the LPP.

KROMAH DENIES ULIMO FIGHTERS IN SIERRA LEONE A Sierra Leone military junta spokesman has told the Voice of America that fighters of the

defunct ULIMO-K faction are involved in the fighting between the Sierra Leonean forces and the Kamajors. The spokesman, pointing to the friendship between former-ULIMO-K leader Alhaji Kromah and deposed Sierra Leonean President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, claimed that Kromah has been making regular visits to Sierra Leone, thus confirming intelligence reports that ULIMO-K is fighting alongside the Kamajors. The spokesman alleged that further proof could be derived from the presence in Monrovia of the deposed Kabbah government Deputy Defence Minister who, he claimed, was in Liberia to recmit fighters for the Kamajors. Contacted by VOA reporter, James Butty, Kromah, the former ULIMO-K leader, expressed dismay and surprise at the allegations, noting that all factions in Liberia had been disarmed and demobilized. According to Kromah, if in fact ex-fighters of the former ULIMO were involved in the fighting, they were doing so of their own initiative and not in the name of ULIMO. (The Post)

REPATRIATED FROM GUINEA UNHCR has repatriated some 400 Liberian refugees from Guinea. The refugees fled Sierra

Leone during the 25 May coup. Upon arrival in Monrovia' s Freeport, they said they had been given US$30 per family head, with single persons receiving US$ l 5 each from UNHCR to start out in Monrovia. (The News and ELBC)

SWEDEN TO FUND FOOD PRODUCTION Sweden is to donate US$650,000 through F AO to help Liberian farmers increase food

production and ensure food security. Meantime, a Concerned Christian Community assessment in Bomi County says urgent food relief is needed for current months known as the "hunger period" when women and children will be especially vulnerable to food scarcities. (ELBC)

PLEASE NOTE; PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY RY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF TUE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING T O THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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UNITED NATIONS ~) NATIONS UNIES ~

~

UNOMIL ·- '>JA-f2-~


,. o e : J , Io o o ~ Au 6, <J s, 11' r 'f TO: Kevin Kennedy FROM: Chief

TION Peter Swarbrick SG Spokesman's Office

FAX NOs: 963-1186 :l.~foO'f,l,o FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 963-9070 PHONE NO: 231-226-049 963-7055

DATE: 22-25 August 1997 Total No. of pages :2 -1-- 1 ~

I SUBJECT: Media Swmnary

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1/3 UNITED NATIONS MISSION D' OBSERVATION DES

ORSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Pub/Jc lofomuitlo" Unit

MEDIA SUMMARY Aug,at 22-25 1.997

TAYLOR, THE ST ATE FINANCES AND THE ECONOMY Newspapers of 22 August reacted to President Taylor' s address to the nation by focusing on his

economic message, especially his references lo the slate of government finances . Headlines included "No Money to Pay Salaries" (Daily Times), "We Have To Tie Our Waists ... As Gov't Tackles Problems"(~ Ingyirer), and "Government Is Broke - Salary Payments Uncertain" (The News).

Next day, the Herita~ of 23 August headlined a story "Who Empties Liberia' s Treasury?" This featured comments from a number of bankers and Finance Ministry officials pointing out that the new President had been in charge of Liberia' s finances "from August 1996 to February 1997". The article quoted a "replaced deputy Finance Minister" as saying that all former Councilmen, including President Taylor, had received "US$50,000 each" last Christmas. According to the same official, Taylor and other members of then Council of State had received about US$40,000 each time they went to Abuja for the peace talks "even though they and their delegations were always transported by ECOW AS."

In an accompanying editorial, the Heritage accused the former NPFL of having "mortgaged every sector of the economy to foreign investors long before elections were held." It claimed that "business mongers from all walks of life" had been invited to pursue their interests in exchange for supporting the NPP in the election. Those benefitting included South African, French and Taiwanese businesses. Libyans, Burkinabes and Ivorians had also provided what the editorial described as "mammoth" financial, military, and diplomatic support.

Meantime, former US State Department Under Secretary for African Affairs, Herman Cohen, told the Voice of America that investor confidence in Liberia would be boosted if President Taylor were lo appoint outside economic advisers "to jump start the economy" and pursue policies in keeping with the World Bank/IMF "shadow programme".

MINISTER DEMANDS AID ACCOUNT ABILITY Public Works Minister John T. Richardson says he intends holding members of the international

commwuty accountable for all funds and equipment donated by governments to the Liberian peace process. The new Minister referred specifically to 80 trucks, computers and generators and funds donated by the Danish and other governments to the EU and lJNDP for the Liberian people. Minister Richardson maintained that now that there is an elected government, in Liberia, all such equipment should be handed over. The organiz.at.ions concerned had rnceived a "huge amount of money on behalf of our people just to implement short-term projects without accountability," he claimed. The Minister said he intended taking up the matter with their head offices. Reportedly, UNDP had been demanding the return of computers, air conditioners, cars and motor cycles previously donated to the Independent Elections Commission. According to the article, there is a report in circulation that the retrieved equipment will be sold to private individuals at below cost rather that being turned over to the· government for the use of the Liberian people. (National Chronick)

HONORARY CONSULSHIPS WITHDRAWN Following its announcement that new Liberian passports will be compulsory as of 31 December, the

Foreign Ministry has issued an advisory withdrawing all honorary consulships with immediate effect. According to The Post, President Taylor says the replacement of the old Liberian passport is meant "to determine who is a Liberian and who is not." (Post and ELBC)

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SIERRA LEONE The Liberian Foreign Ministry has announced that the government is seeking funding to evacuate

Liberians from Sierra Leone. Meantime, ECOMOG FC, Maj .Gen. Victor Malu, says the Sierra Leone military jwita is not prepared for anything other than a military action. In an interview, Gen. Malu said the jwita coup leader seems unwilling to submit to a peaceful settlement. The FC said ECOMOG awaits instruction from ECOW AS to flush the junta out.

Meanwhile, the Daily Observer reports that members of the disbanded ULIMO-K militia have crossed over into Sierra Leone and joined the Kamajors in tl1eir efforts to remove the AFRC jwita. According to the report, the Commander of southern Sierra Leone·s fast infantry brigade, Lt. Col. Boyd C. Palmer, told BBC's "Focus On Africa" that heavily anned ULIMO-K fighters are fighting alongside the Kamajor.

According to week-end radio reports, between 200 and 750 Sierra Leonean refugees arrived in Monrivia from Guinea and are being sheltered in the VOA-1 displaced camp on the city's outskirts. (ELBC, Iru. Inquirer, Star Radio and Radio Liberty)

ALCOP YET TOT AKE SEATS The All Liberia Coalition Party (ALCOP) has apparantly yet Lo take its seats in the National Legislature,

according to an ALCOP source who did not know why. (Daily Times)

TAYLOR SUPPORTS INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY At the commissioning ceremony for Chief Justice Gloria Scott and her four Associate Justices, President

Charles Taylor assured the Surpreme Court bench of his support and said that a sowid and independent judiciary was essential. He called on members of the Supreme court to render transparent justice. (~ £mw;)

GTZ PIPELINE Fonner LWSC Managing Director, Pe~-u Dainels, says negotiations with UNICEF, the German Agency

for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the EU for the purchase of an US$80,000 booster for installation next month will help restore Monrovia ' s water supply. GTZ project coordinator Ferdinard Takatsch, meantime, says the absence of diplomatic links between Liberia and Germany make it difficult for GTZ to provide greater support to Liberia's reconstruction efforts. (Daily Times and Daily Observer)

GRAND GEDEH RETURNEES IN NEED Grand Gedeh Superintendent Ruth A. Milton, formerly of the defunct LPC, says the "pitiful and

frustrating"condition ofretumees in the county stems from a scarcity offood and medical supplies. Milton claims hwidreds ofretumees are pouring into the county daily. (Daily Times)

SENATE MA.JORITY LEADER Lofa County Senator Kekura B . Kpoto has been elected Majority Leader. (Inquirer)


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UNITED NATIONS {~) NATIONS UNIES 9 . 6) Y'v~ UNOMIL -:-CR: ,l.lo'f-S-&l:


// __)

TO: Kevin Kennedy FROM: ~~ief

Peter Swarbrick l'I~ .-.. 'T'IQN --SG Spokesman's Office OMIL

FAX NOs: 963-1186-....o"'- l:.J..oS~t FAX NO: 231 - 226-035; 3-9924 963-9070 PHONE NO: 231-226-049 963-7055

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DATE: 21 August 1997 Total No. of pages:4

SUBJECT: Media Suimnary for 20-21 August

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UNOMIL Public l,ifumtandn Unll

MEDIA SUMMARY August 20-21 1997

"AN EMPTY TREASURY" - PRESIDENT TAYLOR The newly installed Government has inherited an empty treasury, President Charles Taylor

declared in his first nationwide address, which was broadcast live from Executive Mansion in Monrovia on 21 August. He said domestic debt stood at US$200 million {L$ l .25 5 billion) and that the external debt of more than US$3 billion was "even more alarming."

President Taylor said salaries owed civil servants as of 31 July 1997 amounted "to over L$1 l 2 million" and that the government payroll account is overdrawn by "more than LD$ l 18 million" -- the result of "uncontrolled hiring of personnel without regard to budgetary control and inflated posts ." The President noted that despite more than US$12.5 million having been collected by government from January to July 1997 (mostly from the Liberian Maritime Programme), the government bank account showed a balance ofless than US$17,000 at the end of July.

He said he was actively working to set National Reconciliation and Human Rights Commissions. He asserted that his appointments to date included representation from "over 60% of the parties that took part in the elections". His economic priorities included returning manufacturing, mining, logging and agriculture to full production. He urged Liberians abroad to return and share their expertise in helping national reconstruction and development efforts. [Later, the President said all Liberian passports were being recalled immediately to make way for the new national passport.]

Turning to law and order issues, the President said he was ordering the security forces to begin an immediate crack-down on armed robberies . He asserted that his administration, while respecting due process of law and individual human rights, would be relentless in dealing with drug traffickers. The President announced the imminent appointment of an Assistant Minister of Defence for Veteran Affairs to look after the needs of all former combatants. (ELBC)

TAYLOR WILL TRAVEL TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY Contrary to reports that he will not attend due to lack of funds, the Foreign Ministry

annowiced on 20 August that President Taylor will lead a delegation to the upcoming UN General Assembly session. Foreign Minister Monie Captan said that rather than draw on scarce Government resources, the presidential trip will be financed by private sources_ ( ELBC)

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF SPEAKS OF "NEXT TIME" UP's losing presidential candidate Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, speaking by phone from the U.S.,

told Radio Monrovia's "Issues in the Press" that her party will continue educating the Liberian people on the principles of democracy so that "the next time around, things will not be the same." Mrs Sirleaftold the live radio talk show that there is a great need for civic education and the building of the institutions necessary for a thriving democracy. She said UP will examine the the new Government's pohcies closely. She expressed the hope that corruption, resettlement, reconciliation, and investment in the private sector would be among issues to be vigorously pursued. (The Inquirer)

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JOBS AT ROBERTS AIRPORT Transport Minister Raleigh Seekie says there will be employment opportunities when

Roberts International Airport resumes normal operations next week. According to the Minister, the air control system and handling equipment have been restored. Presently, however, the control tower, terminal and duty-free facilities are all in ruins. (Daily Times)

WATER SUPPLIES The former Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation says it will

require between US$9-12 million to restore pipe-borne water to the city of Monrovia. Most facilities were hard hit during the conflict years, he said. This included the destrnction of the 36-inch feeder main that supplies water to the city centre. (Daily Observer)

FORMER OFFICIALS FACE EVICTION The Director General of the General Services Agency, Paul Mulbah, says all former officials

residing in dwellings leased by Government are to be evicted shortly to make room for incoming officials. (Daily Times)

CALL FOR RECONCILIATION Sinoe County Representative Paul B. Nimene has called for the establishment of a

reconciliation committee to resolve problems between Sarpo and K.ru ethnic groups in the county so that the work of development can proceed and progress. (The Post)

MOHAMMED ALI DONATING RELIEF Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mohammed Ali has donated 200 tons ofrelief

food for a group of Liberian refugees in the Ivory Coast. The food consignment is reportedly en route to San Pedro for distribution. (Daily Times)

MEASLES FATALITIES REPORTED The National Chronicle reports that 79 children have died in towns and villages of the Lofa

County Kolahun district following an outbreak of measles.

PLEASE NOTE; PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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ROBBERY ALERT The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) has expressed concern over the recent

increase in anned robberies in Monrovia. It reminded the government of its responsibility to ensure the security of all its citizens. (The News)

TAIWAN REJOINDER The Daily Observer of 20 August claims that its 15 August front-page story entitled "Taiwan

Recognition In Limbo?" has "apparantly provoked" Taiwan into accusing China of using the Security Council to deny deve]opment aid to "millions of war-weary Liberians who are in dire need of assistance in all spheres of human existent." The newspaper reports receiving a twopage rebuttal from James Tien, the Taiwanese Charged' Affaires, characterizing "this pending veto action" as an" unacceptable, savage and outright interference in the domestic affairs of the Government of the Republic of Liberia." (Daily Observer)

ECONOMIC PRONOUNCEMENTS National Economic Commission John T. Bestman says the Liberty banknote currently in

circulation is ••technically counterfeit" since it was issued at a time when there were two de-facto administrations in Liberia. Mr. Bestman also indicated that a major Commission task will be to catalogue the names and specializations of Liberian professionals qualified to fill specific posts on overseas-funded projects which might [otherwise] rely on expatriates skills. (The Inquirer)

PRISON FARE A shortage of food and medicine at Monrovia's Central Prison over the past few months has

led the authorities to call on the Government and the international community for help in looking after 49 male and female prisoners. PMU, a Swedish-based organization, is currently the only source of assistance. ~hoto News)

VOXBOPOLU IECOM and the national legislature have been petitioned by citizens ofBopolu district in

Lower Lofa County, who are demanding that their district be represented in the legislature. The petitioners say that with the seating of the ALCOP representatives having completed the allocation of all Lofa County seats, Bopolu has been left unrepresented. According to the petitioners, Voinjama district "is over-represented" with two Representatives -- one each from the NPP and UP. The petitioners believe that IECOM and the legislature should therefore take the necessary corrective measure to redress their situation. (The News)

US$600 MILLION AID PACKAGE The Daily Times, citing diplomatic sources, reports a US$600 million infrastructural and

urban developments package soon to get underway in Liberia with backing from the international community, especially from the EU. In the eight years since the outbreak. of the Liberian civil conflict, the EU has provided assistance totalling some US$225 million. EU has recently constructed some 50 steel-panel bridges, while hundreds oflog bridges have been repaired at a cost of some US$ 3 million. EU representative Paul Harrington has announced the beginning of construction work on three bridges in south-eastern Liberia costing US$ l. 9 million. One bridge spans the Cestos River linking Rivercess and Sinoe Counties, while the others, spanning the Sanquain and Pailey Rivers, are in Sinoe County. (Daily Times and The New Liberian)

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UNOMIL


' TOil: tll t 'J'(-~ A-Uli It TO: Kevin Kennedy


FROM:

~001

FAX NOs: 963 -1186 -eK otl ~{,3o6iM1- .,f 963-9070

FAX NO: 231-226 - 035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

963-7055

DATE:21 August 1997 Total No. of pages: L

SUBJECT: President Taylor's National Address

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President Taylor's first nationwide address -21 August (Summary from National Radio Broadcast)

The newly installed Government of Liberia has inherited an empty treasury, President Charles Taylor declared in his first nationwide address from Executive Mansion in Monrovia this morning. The President blamed lack of fiscal control, weak revenue administration and uncontrolled public expenditure for the depleted Liberian treasury and the high domestic and foreign debts now facing the nation. He said domestic debt stood at US$200 million (L$ l .255 billion) and that the external debt of more than US$3 billion was "even more alanning."

The President said that the external debt "includes multilateral debt ofUS$2 billion of which US$1.6 billion is in arrears and bilaterals [debt] ofUS$758 million with US$384 million in arrears." He indicated that a residual, mainly commercial debt "is also about US$400 million in arrears . .,

President Taylor said salaries owed civil servants as of 31 July 1997 (some dating back to August 1996) amounted "to over L$112 million." The government payroll account is overdrawn by "more than LD$ l 18 million" -- the result of "uncontrolled hiring of personnel without regard to budgetary control and inflated posts."

More than US$12.5 million was collected by the government from January to July 1997 (a}most 90% from the Liberian Maritime Programme), yet the Government of Liberia bank account at end July showed a total balance ofless than US$17,000, the President said.

The President assured his audience and broadcast listeners that he was working actively to set up the Commissions on National Reconciliation and on Human Rights which he had promised in hls inaugural address.

Noting that his party had won 75% of the overall vote, President Taylor asserted that his appointments to date had included "over 60% of the parties that took part in the elections." Should any parties feel left out, he invited them to address the matter to his Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. The President did point out that "every Liberian cannot work for the Liberian Government."

The President said economic priorities would include getting mining, logging, manufacturing and agriculture back to full production. He urged Liberian citizens abroad to return home in order to share their expertise in helping with the task of national reconstruction and development. [In subsequent remarks, the President said all Liberian passports were being recalled immediately to make way for the new Liberian passport.]

The President ordered the security forces to begin an immediate crack-down on the current spate of armed robberies and added that his administration, while respecting due process of law and individual human rights, would be relentless in dealing with drug traffickers. He said he would soon be appointing an Assistant Minister of Defence for Veteran Affairs charged with special responsibility for all former combatants.

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~ .-? f-'1Q_cb>c I UNOMIL IO t ~ VJ (of 8-2 AU& '1':f-



FAX NOs: 963-1186-ZErJ/JJ:J/OJ.Ji 963-9070 963-7055


FROM:

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3 - 9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049


SUBJECT: Media Sunnnary for 18-19 August

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UNITED NATIONS • MISSION D ' OBSERVATrONDES

OBSEllVEll MISSION IN LIBl':RJA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Public l onruliion Unit

MEDIA SUMMARY August 18-19 1997

GOVERNMENT FINANCES AND THE PRESIDENTIAL PLANE Reports that the new Government is to pay a Nigerian aviation company US$5 million for a

15-year-old jet aircraft for presidential use have aroused controversy and denials. The intent to purchase, first announced by Cyril Allen, Chairman designate of the National Investment Commission, was almost immediately denied by Information Minister-designate Joe Mulbah who said that President Taylor had no intention of purchasing an aircraft at a time when Liberia's coffers were virtually empty. Mr. Mulbah said the aircraft in question was currently in Liberia to convey the President to Abuja for the upcoming ECOWAS Summit. A press statement from the Finance Ministry describes reports of the purchase as inaccurate, irresponsible and "prejudicial to the Government's ongoing efforts to bring financial relief to the country ... " To further emphasize the seriousness of the Government's current financial predicament, Minister Mulbah also announced that President Taylor's planned trip to the United Nations in New York had been cancelled. Meantime, Transport Minister Raleigh Seekie has announced plans to reopen Roberts Field International Airport by mid-September. (The News, Inquirer. Heritage. ELBC, Radio Veritas and Star Radio)

SECRETARY-GENERAL'S REPORT The Secretary-General's 24th progress report to the Security Council on UNOMIL received

widespread coverage, most of which focused on the scheduled withdrawal of personnel and closure, plus a proposed post-UNOMIL UN presence in Liberia. (Inquirer, BBC, ELBC, Star Radio and Radio Veritas)

CONFIRMATIONS Nine of the nominations before the Senate have been confirmed, including the new Chief

Justice Gloria Scott and the Ministers of Justice (Peter Jallah), Defence (Daniel Chea), Public Works (John T. Richardson), Commerce and Industry (Dr. Bangalee Fofana), Transport (Raleigh Seekie), and Posts and Telecommunications (Maxwell Kabbah). (ELBC and KISS FM)

TAYLOR ADDRESS President Taylor is to address the nation on 21 August. (KISS FM)

ECOMOG ECOMOG Force Commander, Major General Victor Malu, told departing UNHCR

Representative, Dr. Kallu Kalumiya, that he has adjusted troop deployment to strengthen security and fortify border areas, especially those abutting Sierra Leone. The moves were especially designed to retrieve hidden anns through ongoing cordon and search operations and to ensure that there is no cross border traffic in arms. The FC commended Dr. Kalumiya and wished him well in his new appointment. The UNHCR Representative indicated that UNHCR was working to set up offices in Voinjama, Gbarnga and Harper. General Malu also received a courtesy call from visiting Benin Defence Minister Adjovi Severin. (The Inquirer, ELBC and KISS FM)

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ARMED ROBBERIES A spate of armed robberies in the Monrovia area -- five since the inauguration -- has led to

speculation that former faction fighters unable to find work are responsible. Reports accuse the government of remaining "silent" while the robbers "enjoy a field day". Counter measures being taken include efforts by police officials to rearm the Robbery Unit and proposed joint night patrols with ECOMOG. (Inquirer and ELBC)

SIERRA LEONE REFUGEES James Fasuekoi, in a follow-up wire story in the News. reports that fighting at the week-end

between Kamajor and RUF-junta forces resulted in nearly 200 refugees crossing over into Liberia, some of whom walked to Tiene from Kenema-Toro, a village about 40 kms north of the Mano River border bridge. According to Fasuekoi's report, some of the children who had made the trek showed signs of malnutrition. (The News)

NO AFL IN SIERRA LEONE -- DEFENCE MINISTRY The Liberian Defence Ministry has denied reports in the Heritage newspaper that former APL

soldiers are involved in the fighting in Sierra Leone. Heritage carried a report saying the presence of a former AFL sergeant and his colleagues in the fighting at Zimi "verifies rumours that AFLULIMO soldiers are fully involved ... " It quotes ex-AFL Sgt. Amos L. Kaiyea to the effect that more than 500 ULIMO-AFL men who previously fought for the Kabbah government have now joined the Kamajores to help restore the ousted President's government. (Heritage and ELBC)

TAIPEI BOUND University of Liberia Student Union President Christian Baker, left Monrovia 15 August to

attend the 1997 International Youth Culture and Study Tour in Taipei (News and ELBC)

WHO MEDIA WORKSHOP WHO and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare launched a three-day workshop for local

journalists on health communication on 19 August. The workshop aims to sensitize the media to WHO's actitivies and solicit media support to promote primary health care. (ELBC)

HEALTH MINSTRY CHANGES Representratives of the EU, UNDP, WHO, UNICEF and local NGOs attended the official

handover by outgoing Health Minister Dr. Jeannetta K. Johnson to her successor Dr. G. FahnBorh Dakinah on 15 August. Minister-designate Dakinah later announced his decision to close the SwedeReliefhospital facility and to transfer its patient load to Monrovia's JFK Hospital. Dr. Dakinah cited unsatisfactory sanitation and hygiene conditions at the SwedeReliefpremises. He told MSF staff that they would be provided facilities at JFK. (ELBC)

DIAHORREA OUTBREAK A severe outbreak of diahorrea has been reported in Bo Waterside, Tiene and other Cape

Mount County towns. (The Inquirer)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S l'UDUC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY A TIRIBUTED.

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«-'111111 MISSION IN LIIIIIIIIA • NATIONSUNIESAULIBERIA UNOMIL

PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION EXPLAINED

The upcoming Liberian elections will use a new "special and temporary" system to

select the new government. It's called "single constituency, proportional

representation". In a "majority system", winner takes all and majority rules. With

Proportional Representation, nobody is a loser because everybody is included in the

legislature. Unlike the old system from before the war, all Liberians will be part of one

large group of voters (or "constituency"). The number of people elected to the Senate

and the House of Representatives from each party will be in direct proportion to the

number of votes each party wins throughout the country. There is a minimum number

of votes any party has to get to have its candidate elected, but once this "threshold" is

crossed, each party will be represented with a number of seats proportional to the total

number of votes they received. So, if one party receives ten percent of the total vote, it

gets ten percent of the total number of seats available. This "once only" system is being

used for these special elections so that all the people forced by the war to move from

their towns and cities (the old "voting districts") can vote this time in one big "national

voting district" no matter where they are now living. Each and every vote counts

because it gets added tQ a national total. Every elected official represents all Liberians:

All votes count equally, and all voting is completely secret. Nobody, not the candidates,

not the parties, not even the counters will be able to tell how any one person voted.

Remember: "your vote is your secret".

For Frlrdler Worllllldoa eonuct UNOHIL '.1 Jlablk /lll'ornutlon OIIIR 226-tHIJ,049 Ext. SI 14, F.x: 226-0JS

INTEllllET: •t111://www.1111.or,/lhpa/Dl'KO./Hlalons/1111om/l.html

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FAX NOs: 963-1186- 0 ~ (foqs.2,,2 / FAX NO: 23l-226 - 035; 3-9924 963-9070 963-7055


PHONE NO: 231-226-049


SUBJECT: Media Sununa.ry for 15-16 August 1997

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UNOMIL Public l,ifomumon U11it

MEDIA SUMMARY August is-16 1997

POSITIONS AND REPOSSESSIONS Some confusion prevails about the progress of the nominating process in the Senate. The Inquirer of 15 August

asserted "Captan's Confirmation Backfires", alluding to questions raised concerning the citizenship and marital status of the Foreign Minister designate, which, it claime.d might hold up his nomination. The next day's National Chronicle said the Inquirer got it wrong and that Mr. Captan had in fact been confirmed. The Chronicle also featured two front page stories on the nominating process. One, headlined "Drama at Senate Chamber", referred to the embarrassment caused a nominee who was unable to recite the first stanza of the Liberian national anthem. The second -- "Cloud Hangs over 5 Nominees" -- noted that hours of hearings had yet to con:fum any of those nominated to the posts of Minister of Justice, Defence, Public Works and Commerce and that of Chief Justice .

The Post reports former presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party of Liberia (PDPL), George Toe Washington, as being among those lobbying for a position in the Taylor administration. A related article cites recent opposition claims on radio that 99 per cent of the appointments announced thus far have been to NPP stalwarts. The article does point out that Information Minister Joe Mulbah, speaking on the same radio show, insisted that there were plenty of jobs yet to be allocated, including posts in the diplomatic seIVice and in a number of government agencies.

Meantime, 11 senior posts were filled in the National Police Force over the week-end, four more in the Foreign Ministry, and seven at the Minstry of Agriculture. The Daily Observer reports that Monie Captan spoke at his confirmation hearings of carrying out mass dismissals of "unqualified" personnel at the Foreign Ministry and replacing them with "qualified" diplomats. A National Chronicle editorial says "the time is not ripe" for "sweeping changes", noting that "there can be no genuine reconciliation in the face of mass dismissal of public officials."

The new government's determination to repossess vehicles sold to or by outgoing officials of the transitional administration was reiterated by General Services Agency Director General Paul Mulbah. He said all vehicles assigned to officials of the LNTG would be retrieved by his agency on Monday, 18 August. (The Inquirer. the National Chronicle, ELBC, The Daily Observer, The News and The Post)

ALCOP TO TAKE ITS SEATS ALCOP has announced its intention of taking its place in the legislature Monday, 18 August,occupying the two

seats it won in the Senate and the three it won in the House of Representatives. (ELBC)

RECONCILIATION An appeal has been made to President Taylor by the Chairman of the National Muslim Council of Liberia ,

Sheik Kafumba Konneh, to include people of good character on the National Reconciliation Commission. The Sheik, a founding member of the Inter-Faith Mediation Commission,mged President Taylor to organize a workshop for cabinet ministers and other senior government officials so that they might more fully understand and implement the government's intent "in constituting the Commission on National Reconciliation and Human Rights."

While August has been officially declared the month of reconciliation, the Ht.ritage argues in an editorial headlined "Why Exhume Dead Bodies?" that the proposed move to exhume the bodies of the late William Tolbert and Samuel Doe for state burial, far from consolidating national reconciliation, "is likely to refresh the wounds of all those who were greatly traumatized by the death of those two fallen presidents." (ELBC and The Heritage)

CIDNA POLICY MAY JEOPARDIZE UN AID Liberia's proposed recognition of Taiwan could lead to China vetoing UN Security Council resolutions

authorizing development aid for Liberia, says the Daily Observer,citing diplomatic sources at the UN.

NOT SUCH FUNTIMES Information Minister Joe Mulbah says the detention of FlJNTIMES Editor Eric Nzeribe was "unconstitutional"

and that bis immediate release had been ordered. Security forces arrested the editor following publication of an article in his periodical, however reasons for the arrest were not given. (Daily Observer)

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SHARING THE CREDIT Noting that the lion's share of praise for the successful outcome of the free and fair elections has gone to

ECOMOG Force Commander Maj. Gen. Victor Malu and to ECOWAS Chairman President Sani Abacha of Nigeria, a Post editorial reminds Liberians that the process of bringing peace was a "a concerted effort" that involved "many prominent and eminent persons far and near." It urges Liberians not to forget members of the international community, including "Boutros-Boutros Ghali, Ambassador Anthony Nyakyi [and] Ambassador Gordon-Somers among others ... " (The Post)

PAYMENTS PENDING Alleged procedural discrepancies have caused DT. Togba Nah Tipoteh's SUSUKUU to suspend payment of fees

while instituting independent monitoring of all schools involved in its "Schools for Guns" programme. The scheme was designed to encourage former fighters to disarm and demobilize in exchange for having one year's school fees paid. According to a paid newspaper announcement, fees will be withheld until participating schools have been monitored for compliance with agreed tenns. The process is expected to last at least 10 days.

The Finance Ministry also took out a paid notice announcing temporary suspension of payment to all vendors and service providers for up to 90 days, effective 7 August. This is to enable it review all outstanding payment vouchers "for their authenticity and accurateness." The notice instructs banks to return vouchers, cheques and other payment instructions to the Finance Ministry's Controller General.

Some 500 NPP campaign workers arc reportedly still awaiting payment. Campaign manager Cyril Allen told them that money has yet to be made available to settle the arrears owed. (The Post, The Inquirer and Heritage)

JOINT NIGHT PATROLS ECOMOG and the Liberian National Police are soon to launch joint night patrols. The move, according to a

police spokesman, is designed to counter criminal elements seeking to take advantage of the recent reduction in curfew hours. (The News)

NO EVICTIONS Internal Affairs Minister Edward K. Sackor says, contrary to recent reports, there will be no forced removals of

displaced people currently occupying public buildings in Monrovia. The Minister says a team has been put together by President Taylor to assess damage to government ministries and to report back. (The News)

MID-WEEK FIGHTING IN SIERRA LEONE The News of 15 August carries a wire service story by James Fasuekoi from the Fairoh area in southeastern

Sierra Leone reporting fierce fighting between Kamajors and RUF junta forces in Zuni on 13 August. According to the report, a number of Kamajors, having controlled the town for the previous two weeks, had retreated to Gonfor and then Fairoh, some 15 miles west of the Liberian border. The fighters indicated that there had been "a huge flight of civilians from the town" towards Poturu, west of Zimi, and to Gegbwena in the northern district ofKenema. Reported casualties included Kamajor wounded and claims by K.amajors that they had killed "dozens" of RUF-junta soldiers. Kamajor commander Eddie Massaley told reporters in Fairoh of five sightings of a RUF-junta helicopter in the area of the fighting. Kamajors with rocket grenades had attempted to shoot it down unsuccessfully. Massaley believed that the helicopter might have "dropped enemy troops in his controlled areas." Reporter Fasuekoi described seeing "bomb shells" in the town of Fairoh. (The News)


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FAX NOs: 963-1186 ~D"K 963-9070 963-7055

DATE: 14 August

SUBJECT: Media Swmna.ry

FROM:

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049


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MEDIA SUMMARY Augu.,t .13-l.f, 1997

PERCENTAGE POINTS In a VOA interview Presidential Press Secretary E. Reginald Goodridge VOA interview assertion that

the NPP "unofficially" won the I 9 July elections by 83 percent has been interpreted by a Daily Observer headline as a demand for additional legislative seats. According to sources cited in the Observer, the Goodridge "argument" on the proportional allotment of legislative seats "appears to be genuine", and the residual electoral votes should have gone to the NPP, giving them 22 instead of 21 seats in the Senate. Editorially, the paper points out that while the number ofrejected ballots plus valid ballots should total the number of votes cast, "nowhere in his presentation of the results did the IECOM Chairman say how many votes were rejected ... so, as things stand, one cannot say that the results are final."(The Daily Observer and VOA)

MORE ON ECOMOG UNREST The News reports that the recent "incident of unrest" among the Sierra Leonean contingent of

ECOMOG which reportedly left several people wounded was "a protest" at the ECOW AS stance concerning the coup in Freetown. "The soldiers involved in the 'mutiny' on 12 August", the story asserted, "are actually diehard sympathizers of the AFRC" . The report further pointed to the soldiers' disagreement with the ECOW AS decision to place an embargo on Sierra Leone, an action they view as "an attempt to unnecessarily interfere in their country's internal affairs" _

Meanwhile, on 11 August, ECOMOG Force Commander Maj . Gen. Victor Malu cautioned all ECOMOG troops, especially those of the Sierra Leonean contingent, against acts of"indiscipline", and warned of"grievous consequences and penalties for unruly behaviour." General Malu indicated that ECOW AS Chairman and Nigerian Head of State Gen. Sani Abacha has agreed to take care of the soldiers' salary arrears and up-keep costs "as a goodwill gesture" . (The Inquirer, ELBC and The News)

SL REFUGEES IN LIBERIA Hundreds of Sierra Leonean refugees staged a peaceful demonstration last week, denouncing the

coup government and calling for the immediate restoration of the government of ousted President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah. The refugees also appealed to their envoy to ensure that they maintained freedom of mobility within Liberia. (The Inquirer)

POLL WORKERS "ABANDONED" Over 25 poll workers of IECOM have reportedly been "abandoned" in Lofa County. Since the 19

July elections, the workers are said to be receiving threats from former fighter of the disbanded ULIMO faction who have accused them of being responsible for Charles Taylor's victory in the recent national elections. IECOM Commissioner Gbemimah Slopadoe confirmed that the poll workers were stranded, but attributed the delay in bringing them back to "a misunderstanding". He indicated that arrangements are being made to have them brought back to Monrovia. (The Inquirer)

PERRY LOSES ESCORT VEHICLE Former Council of State Chairman Ruth Sando Perry experienced what many considered to be "a

disgrace" on 3 August when her escort vehicle was forcibly taken away by Special Security Service

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Deputy Director Joseph Montgomery. Perry was attending a prayer service organized for President Taylor and members of the cabinet at Executive Mansion when her escort car was driven away by Montgomery who was quoted as saying "this vehicle is government property ... "(The News)

BENEFITS The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published in handbill form details of an act which would provide

security, social and economic benefits for all former senior public officials. Enacted by the former Transitional Legislative Assembly, the act declares that all former Interim Presidents, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the Council of State, Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the TLA, Chief and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia, and all Transitional Government and Transitional Legislative Assembly Members are "hereby entitled to and shall receive from the Republic of Liberia, commencing as of the date of inauguration of the first democratically, post war elected President, security protection and economic benefits." According to the report, proposed benefits range from US$7 ,500 for former TLA members up to US$25,000 for former Chairmen.(The News)

CURFEW SHORTENED . The Government has cut the curfew by two hours to the period between 2 and 5 a.m.(The Inquirer).

SPLITINFDP The Inquirer suggests a rift has developed within the Free Democratic Party between the National

Chairman Rod Nyennatee Lewis and former presidential candidate Bearer Fayah J. Sahr Gbollie. Lewis has reportedly sent Gbollie a "letter of expulsion"for what it termed "violations of the articles of incorporation and the constitution [ of the party]. "(The Inquirer)

AFL RESTRUCTURING The Ministry of National Defense has clarified that "at no time" did it assume the role of ECO WAS in

restructuring the AFL. The Ministry indicated that it remains "ever ready to work as closely as possible ECOW AS through ECOMOG for the smooth implementation of the restructuring exercise in keeping with the mandate ofECOW AS". (National Chronicle)

APPOINTEES CONFIRMED The Liberian Senate on 13 August confirmed Monie Captan, Sandra Howard and T. Ernest Eastman

as Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Planning & Economic Affairs and Presidential Affairs respectively. (National Chronicle)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMlL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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UNOMIL OJII (:b UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA


FAX NOs; 963-1186 963-9070 963-7055

DATE; 11 August

SUBJECT: Media Summary

Sfrn 'lIWONll

FROM:

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049


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NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Public Information Unit

MEDIA SUMMARY

GOVERNMENT OF INCLUSION? UP Bong County Assemblyman Joseph Comomia has suggested that President Taylor's appointments thus

far are "not encouraging for political inclusion and reconciliation". Representative Comomia indicated that he had hoped that '"at least 25%" of cabinet minister positions would be allocated to the opposition political parties, and commented that "we are still awaiting to see the reconciliation aspect of the Liberian peace process moving forward." A Monrovia Daily News editorial points out that apart from two noted opposition figures already nominated to senior government posts, the rest of the nominees are NPP loyalists. "We are deeply concerned about the direction of the exercise which appears to be inimical to national unity and reconciliation," the editorial added. The News also commented that the President should reach out to the opposition figures especially the 12 losing presidential candidates, and cautioned him not to "unduly marginalize" those who opposed him as he creates his new government. The editorial recomends that President Taylor should increase consultation with members of the opposition in the political decision making process.

Meanwhile, The Inquirer reports tension among national legislature representatives who are refusing to share offices and between Immigration Commissioner Tate and his deputy Prince Myers. Commissioner Tate has reportedly told Deputy Commissioner Myers "that he (Tate) does not want to see or work with him". (The Inquirer, Monrovia Daily Ne.w.s and The News )

DEFENCE SHUFFLING Sweeping changes are reported at the Ministry of Defense and in the AFL. President Charles Taylor's

senior and junior aide de camps, Mom oh M. Jibba and Musa Einjah, were promoted to the ranks of lieutenantgeneral and major-general respectively, while five AFL colonels and one lieutenant-colonel were reassigned to various staff positions on orders of Defense Minister General Daniel Chea .. (The News)

MORE CHANGES Reports also note dismissals at the Liberia Telecommunication Corporation, the National Bank of Liberia

and at the Ministry of State. The Daily Observer reports 32 dismissals for what L TC management described as "the termination of the services of those who were employed during the Transitional Period". Newly appointed National Bank Governor, Charles Bright, reportedly told employees that "all those who were employed during the transitional period should consider themselves dismissed." At the Ministry of State, 150 persom1el of the Special Security Service Department were told not to report to work until otherwise ordered. In addition, ELBC reports that Arthur Massaaquoi has been appointed to the post of Director General of the Liberian Broadcasting system An editorial i11 The Inquirer urged government appointees to desist "harassing and intimidating". (D.aizy Observer and The Inquirer)

PAYNE ON LIBERIA US House Committee on International Relations member Donald Payne has asked President Bill Clinton to

make Liberia "a special case" . Representative Payne commented that Liberia has "undergone such terrible, brutal civil war," and noted that "two-thirds of the country has been displaced and about 700,000 are still out of the country, and so there is a lot that has to be done and I think we should remain engaged in trying to help them". (Radio Veritas, ELBC, Monrovia Daily News and The News)

LIBERIA'S DEBT In an effort to liquidate an estimated external debt of US $21 million, President Taylor has asked Foreign

Minister Monie Captan to provide him with the particulars so that he can settle with foreign institutions to which Liberia is indebted and save its image within the international community. (Monrovia Daily News)

IECOM DISSOLUTION

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IECOM Chairman G. Herny Andrews told journalists that in accordance with the ECOW AS mandate, IECOM is to be dissolved next months 30 days after the inaugurntion.(Daily Times)

FOREIGN HJRING Incoming Labour Minister Tom Woewiyu says several expatriates working within the United Nations system

in Liberia are to be replaced shortly by qualified Liberians. He said the hiring of foreign staff agencies reflected the lack of coordination in government, and indicated that Minister Woewiyu said his ministry will soon begin a comprehensive review of the labour laws. (Daily Times)

INFORMATION COMMITTEE The Ministry oflnformation has set up a committee including the Public Affairs Bureau of the Ministry, the

Press Union of Liberia (PUL), the Publishers Association and the management of the Sabanoh Printing Press to find ways to cut down printing and newsprint costs. Meantime, PUL has assured Information Minister Joe Mulbah that the union will clamp down on journalists who undermine the integrity of the press in Liberia. (The ~. Radio Veritas and ELBC)

SCOTT FOR SUPREME COURT President Charles Taylor has nominated IECOM member Cllr. Gloria Scott as Chief Justice of the Supreme

Court of Liberia. Other nominations include Dr. Everlyn Kandakai as Minister of Education and Edwind Snowe as Deputy Managing Director for Operations, LPRC. Also announced were the Superintendents for Lofa, Maryland and Nimba Counties. (ELBC)

LIBERIA-US FOUNDATION According to the VOA, former US Senator Paul Simon has launched a foundation to raise US$5 million to

raise money to revamp hospitals throughout Liberia. (Monrovia Daily News)

CRASH DEATHS Russian investigators confirmed the deaths of the three-man crew aboard the EU helicopter that crashed in a

remote area of Lofa County last month. European Union official Paul Harrington was quoted as attributing the crash to "pilot error". (Star Radio)

WFP APPOINTMENT Paul Ares has been appointed WFP regional Manager for the Abidjan cluster office in Cote d'Ivoire. Ares has

takes over from Jamie Wickens, who has been appointed WFP regional manager for the Sahel. (Monrovia Daily ~. and the National Chronicle)

ONECO PRAISED A.A. Cole organizer/President ofUNECO -- the UNOMIL-ECOMOG Children's Organization, Inc. -- has

commended ECOW AS, the United Nations, ECOMOG and UNOMIL for the peace which Liberia has finally achieved. He said he was grateful to UNECO for keeping in mind the welfare of the peacekeepers' children, and called on the incoming government to support UNECO. (The News)

SA VE THE FORESTS ! The Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL) is calling on the national legislature to protect

at least I 0% of Liberia's forest environment and to encourage sustainable utilization and management of the country's remaining forest areas. The SCNL has indicated that apart from the Sapo National Park in Sinoe County, most of Liberia's prime bio-diverse forest areas are not being fully protected. Liberia's two major forest blocks in the northwest and southeast, which cover 41,323 Km or 43% of the land area, are the last remaining canopy tropical rainforests within the sub-region. (The News)

GSA TO REPOSSESS PROPERTIES The incoming General Services Agency (GSA) Director-General Paul Mulbah say the GSA will use the court

system if necessary to repossess all government properties taken away by former officials. Mulbah told journalists that many former officials took away government property illegitimately, leaving incoming officials with absolutely nothing to start off with. He said these properties will be repossessed and re-assigned to the

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relevant government ministries and agencies. (The News)

REFUGEES, NIGERIA VS. UKRAINE? The Dai1y Times reports that 400 Sierra Leoneans who fled from recent fighting between the Kamajors and

the joint RUF/Sierra Leonean Anny at Bo Waterside on the Liberia/Sierra Leonean border are seeking political asylum in Liberia. According to the report, the refugees may have to move swiftly as the new Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization Commisioner Joe Tate has vowed to curb what is described as the influx of "undesirable aliens" into the country under the guise of being refugees. Meanwhile, speaking on BBC's "Focus on Africa", the leader of the Kamajors, Sam Higa Norma, confirmed capturing to town of Zirni following renewed fighting which he attributed to the deadlock at the Abidjan peace talks. A spokesman for the Sierra Leonean military junta denied Norma's claims. "Focus on Africa" also reported that 5,000 Sierra Leonean refugees had crossed the border and were staying in Bo Waterside. Meanwhile, the ruling AFRC in Freetown has hired several Ukrainian ships to break the ECO WAS embargo of importing goods into SietTa Leone. AFP reports that in response to an ECOW AS statement that the organization would "mete out appropriate reprisals" to anyone violating the embargo, the captain of one of the ships apparently warned the Nigerian-led force that if attacked, "Ukraine would show its military might". (Daily Times, Photo News, BBC and AFP)

NATIONAL POLICE DENY ALLEGATIONS The Liberia National Police has asserted that at "no time did the Director of Police or any of his deputies

receive US$20,000 and 500 bags of rice intended for the election security police", as has been reported. The LNP described the reports as "baseless and unfowided" and claimed that "erroneous information was given to the press by police officers" in an attempt to discredit police authorities during the process of the force's reconstruction. (The Inquirer)

DISUNITY IN THE UNITY PARTY Unity Party Presidential Candidate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is reportedly threatening a lawsuit against members

of her party for allegedly "changing around" the official list of the name sof the UP senators and representatives submitted to IECOM after the recent national elections. The UP won three seats in the Senate and seven in the House of Representatives. (National Chronicle)

TAIWAN MONEY The Patriot reports that Taiwan will shortly resume construction of the US$240 million GbarngaMMedikoma

highway project. The report also indicates that President Taylor is soon to name an ambassador to Taiwan. Diplomatic ties between Liberia and Taiwan -- established under President Samuel Doe -- were severed by Dr. Amos Sawyer's Interim Government of National Unity. (The Patriot)

LIBERIA AND HUMAN RIGHTS An article in ~ Africa magazine stresses the importance of respect for frmdamental human rights as part

of the process ofreconciliation in post-war Liberia. In terms of violations committed during the conflict, the article points out that a "general amnesty" was granted by the Cotonou Accords of 1993 "to all persons and parties involved in the Liberian civil conflict" for actions carried out "in the cmrrse of actual military engagements". The amnesty does not apply in cases of "attacks on civilians, torture or extra-judicial executions". While emphasizing the importance of dealing with abuses and violations committed during the war as part of the healing process, the piece also asserts that President Taylor's government is opposed to the idea of a war crimes tribunal, preferring instead a "truth commission along the lines of the South African model". (~ Afri.c.a)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMJL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATIRIBUTED.

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~ 1/2-UNITED NATIONS (m1 NATIONS UNI ES y.::

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SG Spokesman's Office UNIT- UNOMIL

FAX NOs: 963-11s6 - 0£< 1rrf~si/ FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 963-9070 PHONE NO: 231-226-049 963-7055

DATE: 11 August 1997 Total No. of pages: 2-

SUBJECT: UNOMIL Press Release

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UNOMJL

MISSIOND' OBSERVATION DES

NATIONSUNIESAULIBERIA

UNOMIL Public 1,-/ormation Unil

UNOMIL BRIEFS OFFICIALS MILOBS provide information to assist civic reconstruction

11 August 1997 - UNOMIL Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh, and Chief Military Observer Major General Sikander Shami received incoming Deputy Interior Affairs Minister Maxwell S. Poe at UNOMIL headquarters in Hotel Africa, Virginia, this afternoon for a briefmg on information gathered by the mission's military observers during their stay in the Liberian hinterland .

The briefing was conducted by UNOMIL military observers (MILOBS) who recently concluded their assignments in the interior and have currently assembled at UNOMIL HQ prior to being repatriated. The MILOBS were based in 16 field stations spread throughout all of Liberia's 13 counties. The purpose of the gathering was to share with Liberian officials road, infrastructural and other relevant data they had gathered in the course of the reconnaissances they conducted in preparation for the elections. Deputy Minister Poe was accompanied by officials of the Interior and Planning Ministries as well as elected and traditional officials and representatives from around the country. These included county superintendents, district and town commissioners and paramount and clan chiefs.

Ambassador Kalomoh welcomed the Deputy Minister of Interior Affairs along with the 100-person delegation, saying he was happy with the high tum-out and the fact that local and regional government was so well represented. He indicated his hope that the data and information gathered by the UNOMIL MILOBS would prove useful to the assembled officials in planning the reconstruction of the country and of their respective counties.

The SRSG indicated he was gratified that UNOMIL was able to make a contribution to the successful completion of the peace process and thanked the officials for the cooperation they had extended to UNOMIL. The Ambassador wished Deputy Minister Poe and the assembled Planning Ministry and local government officials and the paramount and clan chiefs well in their in their efforts to rebuild the Liberian nation.

The participants then broke up into county groups for separate briefings. Maps and other data prepared by the MILOBS are being placed at the disposal of the relevant Ministries.

For further information contact UNOMIL's Public Information Office (Tel.226-048/49 - Ext.5113114: Fax 226-035)

INTERNET: http://www. un. org/Depts/DPKO/Missions/unomll.html

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UNITED NATIONS • NATIONS UNIES f 3 I

UNOMIL /01!_ '. f / 2~ _)Or:- ~U'1 9 f-UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA


FROM:

FAX NOs: 963-1186 ---li~J3i oil✓ 963-9070

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

963-7055

DATE:11 August 1997 Total No. of pages: 3

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UNITED NATIONS

UNOMTL

• MISSIOND' OBSERVA110NDES

OBSEK'-'ER MISSION IN LIBllUA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Public lnfurmlllion Unil

MEDIA SUMMARY Au9Ual: ll U!J7

MALU ORDERS INVESTIGATION INTO SHOOTING INCIDENT ECOMOG Force Commander Maj. Gen. Victor Malu has ordered an immedate inquiry into the incident

involving Sierra Leonean members of ECOMOG who disrupted the Freeport area of Monrovia around noon on 11 August by firing their weapons into the air. The Force Commander said that it was an isolated act of indiscipline by some Sierra Leonean contingent members protesting not having been paid for up to ten months and that it would be investigated. Gen. Malu told BBC's "Focus on Africa" that a case had been made to the Chairman of ECOW AS to meet the salary arrears. In response to a question, General Malu said there might be a few in the contingent who were supporters of the junta in Sierra Leone, but he added that he would be keeping a very close eye on them "so they cannot cause trouble". The Force Commander also indicated that ECOMOG would be disarming those involved in the incident. (ELBC, KISS FM, BBC)

TAYLOR SETS UP ADVISORY GROUPS President Charles Taylor has set up a nine-member Security Council to ensure lasting peace and stablility.

Members include the ECOMOG Force Commander, the Ministers of Defence, Justice, State for Presidential Affairs, Internal Affairs, National Security, Foreign Affairs and the Director of the National Security Agency as well as the AFL Chief of Staff. The Council was set up after a recent meeting between the relevant agencies and ECOMOG. Meanwhile, the President has also set up a three-person Economic Committee to advise on overall economic policy. (ELBC, KISS FM and Daily Times)

STATE FUNERALS FOR TOLBERT AND DOE ? The new Government reportedly will exhume the remains of the late Presidents William R. Tolbert and Samuel

K. Doe and accord them state funerals. (Daily Times)

CLERGY SPEAKS Liberian clergyman Rev. Alfred G. Reeves warning President Taylor about the perils of"sycophancy"

also cautioned the President against incoming officials carrying out arbitrary dismissals when he addressed a special reconciliation service held at the Executive Mansion on Sunday. Rev. Reeves said such dismissals are "only intended to sow the seeds of discord in government and pose more problems for the President who is already faced with the Herculean task ofrebuiilding the nation." Those attending the service included former Chairman oifthe Council of State Ruth Sando Perry and former interim President Amos Sawyer. Meanwhile, former Liberian Council of Churches President, the Rt. Rev. Ronald J. Diggs, is calling on the government to uphold its commitment to ensure freedom of speech, movement and association and urges it to rely on the court system when dealing with those who violate the law. (Daily Times and The News)

DISPLACED ORDERED OUT OF BTC Defence Minister Daniel Chea has reportedly ordered AFL Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Daniel Gbovel,

to expell all displaced persons from the AFL's BTC barracks. "I want to see the BTC as a barracks and not a displaced centre by next week", the Minister is quoted as having said. He declared that rebuilding and restructuring the Liberian Army would entail returning all military facilities to their original military status. Training facilities , he added, "will be renovated and improved". Minister Chea said those in the service must be commited, professional and hard working. (ELBC, Radio Veritas, The News and Heritage)

OPPOSITION SNUBBED The News adds its voice to the editorials and commentaries critical of President Taylor's perceived failure to

include key opposition figure among his appointments. Noting that it was President Taylor who once said "Liberia is an elephant meat too big for one person to eat", it points out that in almost completing his cabinet the President seems to have largely snubbed the opposition. It also discerns a presidential influence in appointments at lower

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levels, citing as one example the appointment of a chief of security at an unnamed public enterprise. The News cites unconfirmed reports and sources to the effect that leading opposition figures may be offered ambassadorial posts as a means of removing them from the political arena. Meantime, KISS FM reports that confirmation hearings into those nominated for positions in the new government are scheduled to begin 13 August. (The News and KISS FM)

LIBERIA AMONG THE POOREST Liberia ranks among the poorest nations in the world, according to the UNDP-published Human Development

Report, the Daily Times reports. (Daily Times)

Pl EASE NQTE• PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL' S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NJl:ITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRINT AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY A TTRTBUTED.

05 / 08 '97 16:08 '8'2129639924 UNOMIL HQS ~001

10R -· 0~1G 0 1l


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TO: Kevin Kennedy FROM: B~~~Chief Peter Swarbrick P .1-..,_ ION SG Spokesman's Office UNI - UNOMIL

FAX NOs: 963-1186..-0'< /(,)1'2: FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 963-9070 PHONE NO: 231-226-049 963-7055

DATE: 5 August 1997 Total No. of pages:3

SUBJECT: Media Swnmary

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UNOMIL Publi< lnfamllllion Unit

MEDIA SUMMARY .1.Ugu .. 1: ~- 1997

MORE APPOINTMENTS The incoming government of Charles Taylor has made three more appointments in the Armed Forces

of Liberia (AFL). Those appointed are: Brig. Gen. Daniel Gboveh as Commanding General of the AFL; Lt. Gen. Prince C. Johnson as the AFL Chief of Staff; and Maj. Gen. Kpankpah Y. Kona as Deputy Chief of Staff Meantime, additional governmental nominations include: Raleigh Seekie as Minister of Transport (replacing Roosevelt Johnson who will become the Minister of Rural Development); Dr. Fineboah Dakinah as Adviser to the President on Special National Development Projects; Zoe Mastic as President of the National Housing & Savings Bank; Freddie Taylor as Director of the National Security Agency; Paul E . Mulbah as Director-General of the General Services Agency; Joe Tate as Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration & Naturalization; James Morley Scott as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Prince Myers as Deputy Director of Police for Administration.

Meantime, the Standard Bearer of the Alliance of Political Parties, Cletus Wotorson, has called on President Taylor "to appoint competent individuals with different political ideologies" to his new government. Speaking on BBC's "Focus on Africa", Wotorson indicated his hope that Taylor's political appointments would reflect a "broader" political spectrum. An editorial in The lng_yirer pointed out that the appointments announced thus far do not reflect a "government of inclusion", as President Taylor has promised. "We observed", the piece asserted, "that those who are being appointed are 'so-so' loyalists of President Taylor". (ELBC, Radio Veritas, The Inquirer and Herita,se)

THREATS TO KROMAH A spokesman for the ALCOP leader said Alhaji Kromah did not attend the Taylor inauguration on 2

August because ECOMOG had removed the former faction leader's security detail and because Kromah feared for his life having received a number of death threats in the week preceding the ceremony. Meanwhile, NPP official Arthur Massaquoi rejected the reasons given by Mr. Kromah's spokesman which, he claimed, were "irrational, far fetched and ill-intentioned".(ELBC)

PAYROLL PADDING ALLEGED AT FINANCE MINISTRY Over 564 unverified names were discovered on the Finance Ministry's payroll accounting for salaries

totalling L$1,320,604. The discrepancies came to light during a comprehensive audit conducted by auditors in late July. (The Inquirer)

SENATE APPOINTMENTS On 4 August, the Senate elected the following to various offices: Montserrado County Senator Grace

Minor, chairman of the Executive Committee; Grand Cape Mount County Senator John Gray, Foreign Affairs Committee chairman; Margibi County Senator Bedell Fahn, chairman, Ways, Means and Finance Committee; Bong County Senator Francis Garlawulo, chairman, Judiciary Committee; and, Maryland County Senator Larmark Cox as Senate Minority leader. Senator Cox said that the minority party need not necessarily be an opposition, but rather a force in helping to promote the Liberian agenda. He called on his colleagues to view their role positively and to work in the interest of the Liberian people. (Heritafie)

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MULBAH CLARIFIES Information Minister Joe Mulbah has asserted that "at no time" did he state that he would

"arbitrarily" close down Liberia's newspapers . Mulbah said he was "very clear" in his recent warning to certain newspapers that the Ministry of Information "will not hesitate to take corrective legal measures against newspapers and journalists who will abuse press freedom for their own selfish motives". (~ Inquirer)

FIRST THINGS FIRST

[4]003

The National Legislature is expected to submit its first two bills to President Taylor for ratification on 5 August. The legislation is expected to concern a re-affirmation of the Liberian constitution, and an update of the status ofECOMOG. (ELBC)

MONROVIA CRIME BLOTTER The Liberia Human Rights Chapter, Inc. has condemned the murder of Christina M. Davis, and called

on ECOMOG, the Justice and Defense Ministries and the Liberia National Police "to expose, apprehend and bring the perpetrators before a court of law for prosecution". Meanwhile, Thomas Sahr, a notorious armed robber, was on 1 August beaten to death by residents of the JN Community in Gardnesville, Montserrado County. (The Inq_uirer)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFnCE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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UNITED NATIONS ·~) NATIONS UNIES ~ ~

UNOMIL -->}Ar2_~


TO: Kevin Kennedy FROM: Peter Swarbrick SG Spokesman's Office

FAX NOs: 963-1186..,.... ~k 963-9070 963-7055

DATE: 30 Ju l y 1997

I SUBJECT: Media Summary

ON UNIT- UNOMIL

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

Total No. of pages: 2-

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... . . UNITED NATIONS MISSION D' OBSERVATION DES

OMERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Public l"-format(on Unil

MEDIA SUMMARY July 2!J, JS91

KROMAHPLEDGESPEACE ALCOP standard bearer Alhaji Kromah, says his party has "taken note of the anxiety and desire of the

Liberian people for peace" and would not boycott the new government. In a press release issued on 28 July, following consultation with leaders of the sub-region, ALCOP said it ''would do all it can to support the process of healing, reconciliation, reunification and reconstruction", adding that "it is expected that conditions attending democracy in other countries of the world will be respected in our new democratic era." ALCOP also expressed thanks to ECOW AS, the OAU, the United Nations, the US Government, the European Union and other members of the international community, for their "sacrificial contribution" to the restoration of peace and security in Liberia. (Heritage and DC-101)

INAUGURATION DAY The Heritage reports that "nearly 60 distinguished world leaders" are expected to attend the inauguration

ceremony of president-elect Charles Taylor. Among those reported to be attending the inauguration on 2 August are French Presidents Jacques Chirac, Cuban leader Fidel Castro, fonner US President Jimmy Carter, ;;J ECOW AS Chairman and Nigerian Head of State Gen. Sani Abacha and Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings. / / Also expected are President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, and Laurant Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo. For the occasion, the Liberia Electricity Corporation is reportedly .,,. planning on providing power to residents of Central Monrovia and its environs. (Heritage)

TAYLOR IN ABUJA Charles Taylor, the president-elect of Liberia, reportedly arrived in Abuja, Nigeria on 28 July for a one-day

visit with ECOW AS Chairman and Nigerian Head of State General Sani Abacha (ELBC, Star Radio and I.he Transition)

SAMUKAI TO RESIGN The Deputy Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Brownie J. Samuk.ai is expected to offer his

resignation to the Council of State on 29 July. Samukai offered congratulations to Charles Taylor's NPP for its victory, adding that "we hold them to their words that Liberia belongs to all and that security and protection will be provided for all." (The Inquirer)

ECOMOG RAIDS DHA-IRIN (Abidjan)'s weekly news summary reports that on July 25 ECOMOG forces searched the homes

of former faction leaders and recent presidential candidates George Boley and Alhaji Kromah. According to the report, nothing was formd. (DHA-IRIN)

Pl EASE NQTE; PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCF.S A~ DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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UNOMIL ~(/Md~ UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSI~;N-1N LIBERIA>,\

-rt, e. : J c, o 1 , 2 2- ~rc1L 'f 1,f 1,.. ,./ ,t I ' '··

TO: Kevin Kennedy FROM: Bria~f\ <E;lly, Ch_i~f Peter Swarbrick PUBLIC INFO~T-I'ON SG Spokesman's Office UNIT- UNOM:IL

FAX NOs: 963-1186~--- 0li(. 171,12: FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 963-9070 PHONE NO: 231-226-049 963-7055 -ov, 0"7~Yl

DATE: 28 July 1997 Total No. of pages:

I SUBJECT: Media Swnmary I

'llJIJ.ONfl 9t9o xv~ gg:z1 L6. LO l 6Z

UNITED NATIONS MJSSJON D' OBSERVATION DES

OBSERVER MISSION IN LJJIERIA • NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Public lnfonnanon UniJ

MEDIA & ELECTIONS SUMMARY JULY 2B, 19,n

NPP DOMINATES SENATE AND HOUSE Seven of the political parties contesting the elections failed to cross the minimum threshold of votes

necessary to win a seat in either the Senate or the House of Representatives. The NPP of Charles Taylor (with 75 .3% of the vote) got 21 seats in the Senate and 49 in the House, while Ellen Johnson Sirleaf s UP (9 .5'%) got 3 seats in the Senate and 7 in the House. Alhaji Kromah's ALCOP (4.02%) took 2 seats in the Senate and three in the House. The remaining seats in the House were divided between Cletus Wotorson' s Alliance (2.56%) and Gabriel Baccus Matthews' UPP (2 .50%) with 2 each, and Dr. Togba Nah-Tipoteh's LPP (1 .03%) with 1 seat. The News pointed out in an editorial that Mr. Taylor would have to reach far outside his party if he is to build a government of national unity. For its part, The Inquirer reminded the NPP majority that the PR national constituency system required them to represent the interests of all Liberians, and that "this is no time for a rubber stamp legislature." (News and Inqyirer)

CATHOLIC CHURCH CALLS FOR UNITY In a pastoral letter describing Liberia as a "divided nation" in need of"unity", the Catholic Church

urges Charles Taylor's new Government to meet certain basic expectations of unity, reconciliation, accountability and concern for the nation's welfare in order to ensure lasting peace and tranquility. The pastoral letter praises the political maturity and tolerance displayed by the candidates and political parties during the elections. It congratulates Mr. Taylor and the NPP, and it calls on the new Government to include human rights among its priorities. (Daily Observer)

ATTEMPT TO ARREST SIRLEAF AIDE FOILED · ECOMOG foiled efforts by the Liberian police to arrest and detain Ellen Johnson Sirleaf s chief of

security at Spriggs Payne airfield as he was about to accompany the UP leader to the U.S.on 25 July. The arrest order, confirmed by Police Chief Charles Deshield, reportedly stemmed from a clash between UP and NPP supporters at a political rally during the campaign period. Mrs Sirleaf, who had earlier called on President-elect Taylor to protect individual rights, including freedom of movement and speech, told an airport press conference that the attempted arrest did not augur well for the spirit of peace and reconciliation. She said UP would play a positive role in the reconstruction and development of Liberia. "We are going to put up a very strong opposition to see to it that the rights of our people are protected." She reiterated that she would not accept a position in Mr. Taylor's Government -- "not everyone has to rush into Government positions", she said. (Qaily Observer and Inquirer)

U.S. OFFERS CONG RA TULA TIO NS AU. S. State Department spokesman has described the elections as "generally free and transparent"

and has commended ECOW AS and the international community for their support . According to the spokesman., the U.S. looks forward to working with the new Government. (The Inquirer)

TAYLOR AND DEFENCE MINISTER DISCUSS AFL President-elect Taylor met Defence Minister Hezekiah Bowen on 25 July to discuss the AFL. Mr.

Taylor gave assurances that his Government was ready to work with a well disciplined national army and that there would be no "witch hunting". He also indicated that "everything will be done in collaboratiuon with ECOW AS and the international community" to restructure the AFL. (Qaily Observer)

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NEW APPOINTMENTS Additional Government appointments announced include: Cllr. James E . Pierre, Legal Adviser to the

President; Francois Massaquoi, Minister of Youth & Sports; Edward K. Sackor, Minister of Internal Affairs; Elsie Dossen Badio, Managing Director National Port Authority; and, Bangalee Fofanah, Minister of Commerce and Industry. (Paily Times)

NEW PASSPORTS Foreign Minister Monie Captan says new passports are being introduced to combat illegal trade in the

old documents. The Foreign Ministry expects to retrieve all old passports by December 1997 at which point they will cease to be valid. (The News)

U.S. $ FOR LIBERIAN$ ? BBC reports that President-elect Taylor is contemplating reintroduction of the U.S. dollar to replace

the Liberian dollar. It says the new Government plans to inject US$15 million into the market to buy out local Liberian currency. (Daily Times)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S P UBLIC INI•ORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE "\lEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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24 107 '97 15:19 FAX 226882 l.'\'OM IL SRSG

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

INDEPENDENT ELECTIONS COMMISSION (IECOM)

TUBMAN BL V O . S INK OR P O BOX 204~

MONROVIA. Ll BERtA

Ff::IN/A'L RESULTS . I • c: . - - - . : - -, ... ~ :. - - · . . '. - - 41' : - ·._ ~- -

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TEL 226-245i225-357

I 11:00 A.M. July 24, 1997

II SUMMARY SHEET No. POLITICAL PARTY/ l\'O. OF VALID

VOTES OBTAl:"iED ALLIANCE

1. .Progressive Peoples'Party (PPP) 2,142

2. National Reformation Party (NRP) . . 2,965

3. Free Democratic Part)· (FDP) 2,016

4. Liberia National Union (Ll:\'1.J) 6,708

5. Unity Party (UP) 59,557

6. · All Liberian Coalition Party (ALCOP) 25,059

7. Na-tional Patriotic Party (NPP) 468,443

8. Alliance of Political Parties 15,969

9_ Reformation Alliance Party (RAP) 2,067 -,

10. People's Democratic Party of Liberia 3,497 (PDPL)

11. United People's Part)· (UPP) 15,604

12. National Democratic Part)· of Liberia 7,843 , (NDPL)

13. Liberian People's Party (LPP) 10,010

TOTAL: 621 880

% OF VALID VOTES

OBTAINED

11

.. ·-0~3444391 --0.47678 l 0 .3241781

- l.01s66s j

4.0295561 ,s.32691 l

0.3323791

. 0.562327 l 2.509166 l 1.261176]

1.609635 l l

I NUMBER OF VOTING STATIONS: 1761

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UNOMIL --:> fA9-vL__;_ UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA

<...Q / ,r~ Kevin Kennedy FROM : . , ,,...hi ef

~FO ION Pe ter Swarbr i ck SG Spokesman ' s Of f i c e UNIT - UNOMIL

NOs: 963-1186 .,,.,,,~k. FAX NO: 231- 226-03 5; 3 - 992 4 963-9070 PHONE NO: 23 1-226 - 049 963-7055

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MEDIA & ELECTIONS SUMMARY z3 ,JUI,r, J.997

MORE BOW OUT OF THE RACE AS TAYLOR LEAD WIDENS The Inquirer, noting that Charles Taylor's NPP has 356,548 of the 472,863 votes tallied so far from a

projected 674,248, calculates that the NPP presidential candidate has accumulated 52 .8 percent of the projected total poll and is now poised to become Liberia's next elected president . JECOM Chairman G. Henry Andrews says Taylor's wide lead over the other candidates means that alleged polling day irregularities would in no way affect the results of the elections.

Meantime, two more presidential candidates have conceded defeat -- Cletus Wotorson of the Alliance of Political Parties and Fayah Sahr J. Gbollie of the Free Democratic Patty (FDP) Wotorson told BBC's "Focus on Africa" that he had congratulated Mr. Taylor on his election and that the Alliance, "as a mature party", would cooperate with the government . Fayah Sahr J. Gbollie said the FOP accepted the results and is willing to support and work with any leadership that emerges. He appealed to his colleagues to accept the outcome in the interest of the Liberian people and for peace.

However, charges that the elections were "characterized by irregularities" are still coming from the camps of Alhaji Kromah's ALCOP, George Boley 's :NDPL and Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's UP. Kromah , at a press conference braodcast live on 23 July, said that ALCOP and the Liberian people would never accept a "rubber-stamp" government that was "dictatorial". He gave assurances that ALCOP would pursue its complaints through legal channels and said he was seeking meetings with other political parties to discuss the issues. Sirleaf, who met with the media the previous evening, accused IECOM poll workers and ECOMOG soldiers of interfering with the voting process in central Liberia. (The Inquirer, BBC and Radio Monrovia)

MALO, IKIMI AND PERRY URGE ACCEPTANCE OF RESULTS ECOMOG FC, Maj . Gen. Victor Malu , has urged Liberian politicians to set a good example for the

rest of Africa by accepting the 19 July election results as the expressed wish of the people, and not to assign blame to ECOMOG or anyone else for their loss. General Malu rejected the contention that ECOMOG supported a particular candidate. He said the subregional peace-keeping force had put itself at the service of all candidates, doing its best to ensure that none were in any danger during the campaign and election period. Any ECOMOG soldier helping any citizen to exercise his or her franchise had done so in good faith and at the request of political party agents seeking assistance where a voter was illiterate or uneducated. The ECOMOG FC, commenting on the allegations, pointed out that "it is a peculiar problem of Africa -- nobody ever accepts defeat w ith dignity."

At a week-end press conference, Nigerian Foreign Minister Chief Tom Ikimi described the elections as peaceful, smooth and hitch-free. Chief Ikimi praised IECOM authorities for the high degree of effectiveness and efficiency shown in making the electoral process a success story. He commended Liberians for their massive tum-out on polling day, and called on political party leaders to accept the results. He also admonished the winners to promote political inclusion

In a broadcast address, State Council Chairman Ruth Perry congratulated all Liberians for putting seven years of "self destruction" behind them. She urged everyone to exercise maximum restraint in responding to the election results . (The Inquirer Daily Times and ELBC)

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"STORMING" THE KROMAH ZONE

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Gen. Isaac Musa, a former frontline commander of the defunct NPFL, "stormed" the Ministry of National Defense on 22 July, according to several newspaper reports, announcing that he would be taking over the post of AFL Chief of Staff in the next government According to current AFL Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Khalilu Abraham Kromah, Gen Musa had demanded that he [Kromah] along with other top brass of the AFL immediately vacate their offices to enable him [General Musa] to "clean up" the ministry. General Kromah described Gen. Musa's action as "an affront to the gallant men and women of the national army" designed to cause problems in the Liberian peace process. Gen. Kromah called on all "peace-thirsty" Liberians to be aware that the "symbols of calculated witch-hunting are beginning to surface" in the country. Gen. Kromah said, the restructuring of the AFL is the responsibility of ECOWAS -- not the elected government of Liberia . (Monrovia Daily News and The Inquirer)

ELECTRIFYING INAUGURATION The Daily Times reports that NPP presidential candidate Charles Taylor has taken steps to make good

on his promise to electrify Monrovia before the presidential inauguration. According to the report , Taylor, on 21 July, brought in several heavy-duty generators at an estimated cost of thousands ofUS dollars to provide Monrovia with electricity. (Dailv Times)

ORDERS TO ULIMO A former general of the disbanded ULIMO faction, Armah Youlo, has reportedly ordered ULIMO

fighters in Sierra Leone to stop fighting alongside the military junta. The former general claims lJLIMO left 500 fighters in Sierra Leone prior to the ULIMO crossover to Liberia. (Monrovia Daily News)

LCN ENGINEERS KILLED Two Liberia Communication Network (LCN1 engineers were killed on 22 July when a 250 foot TV

and radio transmission tower collapsed. As a result, KISS FM is temporarily off the air. (The Inquirer)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY l. NOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. nm SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOlJRCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTEO.

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UNITED NATIONS (~) NATIONS UNIES 0 •

UNOMIL -7 ~oL/"-UNITED NA TIO NS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA

~ 0 ~./J ' J TO: Kevin Kennedy FROM: r~ ~fl~·t<'e'i y' cW f

Peter Swarbrick 1 PUBLIC INFORMATION SG Spo ke sman's Office UN IT- UNOMIL

FAX NOs: 963-1186 vOk FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 963-9070 963-1ossv-JJI<

PHONE NO: ~31-226-049

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MEDIA & ELECTIONS SUMMARY

TAYLOR LEADS GROWS

LI NOMIL IIQS

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UNOMIL P11 blic fo.(o rnUJt fo11 U11il

July 22 , l!l!/ 7

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With 1,344 of Liberia's I 864 polli~ stations reQQrting,_ the fourth update ofRrelimjnafY results Nreleased QY the Independent Elections ommission r1.1,:,COM) in Monrovia shows hat Charles Taylor's

a~tonal ..l:'atnotic Party ~P) now hp ds 75.40 l % of the vote compared with the 65.379% it haa c.egistered.whhen ret~rns om 812 stations had been tallied. Ellen Jonnson Sirleaf"s Unity Party (UP) tollows wit 9.5571/os o the vote.

J l AccoJding to figure.s.1.relayed in a liv~ broadcast on vari.Qus radip stations bY, lECOM at 6 .15 _pm on 22 u:y, of the returos lo~al111:ig 472,863 talhec;t frQQl I ,344 polling stations, Taylor's NPP has a t~t~J of

356,548 votes, :Sirleaf s UP has ~5 , 195, with Alhaj1 Kromah's ALCOP next at 20,494 (4 334 1/oJ

IECOM Chairman Andrews said he hoped to be in a positipn to announce the final re~ults no later thap Thursday. Bh ad wea.tber wasJmpeding progress sirn;;e much of the mferial had to be broughkback by helicopter ana t e prevfl,1lmg con 1hons were not good tor flymg. Mr. An rcws announc~d thal t e wreckage of an ElJ hehcopfer which had been missing since the middle o last week had been sig ted .

Party

~i& FDP LINU UP ALCOP NP.P Alhance RAP PDPL UPP NDPL LPP

r:~~9r Votes 2:s12 1,458 4 388 45,195 20 494 35~548 11,:,~37 1 -:,75 2'908 11~145 6 ~48 6:sos

Per;fjentage 0.3 8 0.531 0.308 0,927 9.557 4.334

75.401 2.524 0.333 0.614 2.356 1.321 1.439

Grand total: 472, 863 (1,344 stations 1·eporting)

MATTHEWS CONCEDES -- KROMAH AND SIRLEAF PROTEST

UPP leader Bacchus Mathews told a press conference that the el~ctions had been "reasonably_'._' fr~~ anfdLt)bair .and that it was c1ear that the p~or,,le of Liberia had elected Charles Taylor to be the nexCPrcs1dent o 1 ena. H e called on the other poht1cal pa1i1es to acl<nowledge tf1e outcome.

Meantime, ALCOP' s Alhaji Kromah told BBC 's ' 'Focus on Africa" that there were massive

H. regul~1tJes in the electiop~ and that he wovld not ;icct,!pt the results . H,e claimed that hi!:! showin~ of ew~r t n 2,000 votes m Monrovia wa,s a clear ind1cat19n of cheating_ !:jmce at l~ast 8,000 of his rmer action ghters had registered to vote there. Mr. Kromah said he would pursue his protest throug the

courts .

Ellen Johnson Sirl~l'tf jold a press confurence w hich wa~ broadc&st live late on the evening of 22 July that the UP psirty wpulQ. file a pt'ptest to IHCOM one<:; the tinal results tw.d been announced she called on IECOM to release details on voting by county and polling places to fac1htate a detailed analysis of the overall returns. UP, she said, woula contmue to show "restraint, and responsibility", having no "alt~rn..a,ttve but to ,accept the re:;ults.". Howeve_r, "research will show statistical 1mprobabili1y", which, backed by supportmg evidence mcludmg ey~wlt1_1ess accounts, would s~n;wort UP s contention th~t tlie re~ults of one candidate were "so gpod, that s 1t · s too good to be true . Re\urns from Lot.a, Bom1 and N1mba, for example, were "so striRin~;ly uuequal that if"raises serious statistical doubts", she said . ln some ieas ofBom1, strong UP c,lrldtaates_nad t~uled to record vote tallies commeniurate even with tncir

nown fami,ly §Yppoft, she LITJJ.J 1ed. Two party 9-gent s tol9 the press tha,t they 1ad been det~uned bv C.OMOG m Uoarng_a on polhl).g day when theJJ; credential s were challengea y NPP officials. Tli'ey

claimed they were offiy released once they h~d s1~ned tally ~heets . !v1rs Sirlea said UP accf,ptedn· at the iqternationa] observer~ had "gJv~n a clean bill of nealth to the elections" l)ased µpon what t 1ey h . observed. HoV{everi spe note-ct that the international observers were mobile and not present an o the time at any one pollmg s ation.

21 / 07 ' 97 11 : 37 '5'2129639924 liNOMJL HQS ,. .

UNITED NATIONS ,~) NATIONS UNI ES - . UNOMIL ~ ~~



· r.i. f& FAX NOS: 963-1186,.......-ov, 1

963-9070 963-7055

DATE: 21 July 1997

FROM:

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231 -2 26 - 049

Total No. of pages:

SUBJECT: Second preliminary election returns

14]001

- f .I

21/07 ' 97 ll:38 5'2l29639924 UNOMTL HQS

Results announced by IECOM --11.00 am 21 July -- 684(250) polling stations reporting)

~ PPP NRP FDP LINU UP ALCOP NPP Alliance RAP FDPL UPP NDPL LPP

No Of Votes 856 2,085 980

2,251 34,914 (14,379) (9448) (4,048) 144,981 (49,539) 7,149 (2,945)

835(301) 1844 (988 7,774 (3 ,434) 1,763 (842

4,874 ( 841 219,754 (79,403)

Percentage 0 .389 0.948 0.445 1.024 15 .887 (18 . 108) 4 .299 (5 .098) 65 .974 (62.389) 3 .253 (3 .253) 0 .379 (0 .3 79) 0 .89 (1 ,244) 3 .537 (4 .324) 0 .802 l 060 2.217 (1 059

Figures in parentheses represent July 20 returns based on 250 stations reporting out of 1864 total.

@002

i 21 / 07 '9 7 10 : 37 '8'2 1 296 39924 1-'NOMIL HQS '4100 1

UNITED NATIONS ~ NATIONS UNIES ~

UNOMIL .r-9 ~ ~ UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA

~ ) TO: Ke vin Kennedy FROM: ~i~_Chie f

Pe t er Swarbri c k l\.tU~ ON SG Spokesman 's Off i c e NOMI L

FAX NOs: 963-1186 .,,,,.,--{)k. FAX NO: 23 1-226- 03 5 ; 3-992 4 963-9070 PHONE NO: 231 - 226-049 963-7055

DATE: 21 July 1997 Total No. of pages: S-

SUBJECT: Ikimi press statement and preliminary election returns

21 / 07 '97 10:38 '8'2129639924 l:NOMlL IIQS

PRESS STATEMENT

On behalf of my colleagues, the Foreign Ministers of Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and

Guinea, representing the ECOWAS Committee of Nine on Liberia, I welcome

you once again to Nigeria House for this Press Briefing. Only two days ago we

addressed you on preparations for the Presidential and Legislative elections which

were held yesterday - 19th July, 1997. While we await the outcome of these

elections, we have thought it necessary to make public some of our views and

observations of the conduct of the ele.ctions which represent the last item on the

14-point agenda of the Revised Schedule of Implementation of the Abuja

Agreement.

Yesterday, while the elections were in progress, my colleagues and I visited several

locations in Monrovia. We also travelled to other parts of the country to see

things for ourselves. We v.iitnessed massive voter tum-0ut in all the polling

centres that we visited '.The electorate exhibited enthusiasm and eagerness to

exercise their franchise. ; )The process was smooth, hitch-free and devoid of

rancour. From reports received from other parts of the country that we could not

visit, we understand this -same trend prevailed.

The officials of the Liberian Independent Elections Commission (IECOM) carried

out their tasks \Vith efficiency and effectiveness. Voter registers and other

electoral materials were in; place in all the locations that we visited. Indeed. in

no place was it observed nor were reports received that voters were unable to I

exercise their franchise due to inability to find their names in the voter register.

We take this opportunity ,to com.mend IECOM for the excellent performance of

their role in this all-important aspect of the electoral process.

We also observed and received reports that there were no incidents of

intimidation, harassment and hostility at the various polling stations across the

country. This developmen;t therefore enabled the electorate to exercise their

voting rights without hindrance and molestation. In this regard. we commend the

14)002

21 / 07 '97 10 : 39 '8'2129639924 l ;NOMIL IIQS

2

men and women of the West African peace-keeping force - ECOMOG whose

professionalism and commitment made this possible. ECOMOG provided the

security personnel and vital logistic requirement for all the. polling centres

nationwide. Consequently, they ensured total security throughout the elections.

They conducted themselves in a friendly manner and made themselves available

to all voters as necessary to ensure also a peaceful conduct of the elections.

The 13 registered political parties of Liberia and their followers deserve our

congratulations. After seven years of civil war, it would not have been unexpected

that differences of perception and ideologies would underpin behaviour among

rival political parties. Our experience yesterday showed that Liberians were

prepared to put the past behind them and work for peace by participating in the

electoral process in a spirit of maturity and ac.commodation.

Yesterday's Special Elections in Liberia, witnessed the participation of an

unprecedented number and variety of international observers and Press from

different parts of the world. We thank them for their presence and commend

them for their interest as they too must feel satisfied that the process. whlch has

just been conclude4 was peacefu.L free and fair.

In the same vein. the international donor community, particularly the United

States of America, the · Netherlands, Germany, Japan and the Taiwanese

Governments have supported these ECOWAS led elections through financial.

technical and logistic means to IECOM and ECOMOG. The United Nations, the

Organisation of African Unity and other members of the international community

were equally supportive of our regional efforts. We commend these countries and

Organisations for their contributions and confidence in ECOWAS.

_ We recall that a lot of apprehensions existed that these elections should not be

held at this time of the year because of unfavourable weather as this indeed is the

rainy season in liberia However, our eq,erience yesterday gave us cause to

believe that even the elements cooperate.cl with us to make the exercise the

!41003

21 / 07 ' 97 10:39 '8'21296399 2 4 UNOMIL IIQS

3

tremendous success that it was. The rest of the process concerns the retrieval of

the materials from the various locations across the country for the results to be

collated and processed by IECOM We wish to appeal to the staff of IECOM

responsible for this very crucial aspect of the process to exercise utmost care,

efficiency and patriotism.

Now that the results of the elections are being eagerly awaited by the candidates.

the poople of Liberia, our sub-region and indeed the entire world, we take this

opportunity to appeal to the candidates to exercise patience. We understand that

the results of these elections will be released progressively. We therefore urge the

candidates to continue to aqt maturely and do nothing that would undermine the

electoral process.

l I

Furthermore, we appeal to the candidates, particularly, the Presidential

candidates, to accept the results, 'Whenever they are released, in the true spirit of

sportsmanship and to extend cooperation to whoever emerges the winner of the

elections. Similarly, we e~t that the winner would be magnanimous in victory

and extend goodwill and understanding to the colleagues in other parties.

Meanwhile, we ask all the,:9itizens of this country to continue to pursue their

legitimate interests peacefully, and we give assurance that the officers and men ., of ECOMOG will continue to ensure that the peace and security now prevailing

in the country will not be undermined.

I thank you.

I i

14)004

21 / 07 '97 10:40 "6'21296399 24 tTNOMlL HQS

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

INDEPENDENT ELECTIONS COMMISSION (IECOM)

TUBMAN BLVD., SINKOR P. 0 . BOX 2044

MONROVIA, UBERIA

SUMMAR¥ OF VOTERS ' ROLL FOR ALL COUNTIES

COUNTY/NAME TOT AL VOTERS

GRAND CAPE MOUNT 21,372

BOMI 15,015

RIVERCESS 8,219

MONTSERRADO 279,964

SINOE 14,770

GRANDKRU 10,097

MARYLAND 17,082

GRANDBASSA 51,729

GRAND GEDEH 15,463

LOFA 69,399

BONG 109,457

NIMBA 101,789

MARGIBJ 37,074

TOTAL 751,430

SIGNED: ~,,_~ ~~-G~. H~e--~An- d-re~w~s---

CHAIRMAN

~005

TEL. 226-245/226-357

20 / 07 '97 15 : 56 '6'2129639924 UNOMJL HQS

UNITED NATIONS (~) NATIONS UNIES g UNOMIL --_J #.Q ~ -

UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERI ,,


FROM:

FAX NOs: 963-1186 ...,.--"1<. 963-9070 963-7055

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

DATE: 20 July 1997 Total No. of pages:2

SUBJECT: SRSG's Post-polling and Counting Day statement

Page 1/

~001

20 / 07 '97 15:57 '5'2129639924 l:NOMJL HQS

UN.ITED NATIONS OIISERVER MISSION IN LI.IIERlA

UNOMIL Public /njom1ati.on UniJ

Post-Polling and Counting Day Statement Issued by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Liberia

@002

For Immediate Release (20 July): On 19 July 1997, Liberian citizens in their hundreds of thousands went to the polls, each to vote for a political party of their choice. In order to observe and verify the polling exercise, 317 electoral observers from the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) were deployed across the 13 counties of Liberia. Additional national and international observers were also deployed. Tirroughout the day, UNOMIL observers visited 1,500 polling stations around the country, and were also present during the counting of the votes as were observers from other national and international organizations.

All eligible Liberians were accorded the opportunity to express their will through the secret ballot. Pol11ng and counting at the stations were conducted without violence or intimidation. According to reports from the observers, the polling and counting took place in a secure atmosphere, and the electoral exercise was conducted throughout Liberia in an orderly manner. There were no reports of major irregularities nor of serious incidents that could have affected the credibility of the process. We commend the Independent Elections Commission (IECOM) for the effective management of the of the polling process and ECOMOG for ensuring a secure environment for this exercise.

Voter tum-out was high. From early hours of the morning, queues formed at most polling stations, both in Monrovia and in the hinterland. This is a demonstration of the commitment of the people of Liberia to the peace process and their desire for the establishment of a democratically elected government. We congratulate them.

Polling and counting at each particular site constituted a critical part of the electoral process. However, there is still an important step before the process can be considered complete: the tabulation and final announcement of the results. We call upon all political parties to exercise restraint and patience during the wait for the official results. Today, as we wait for the final declaration of the results, we consider the electoral process to have been satisfactory and in conformity with international standards.

For funher information co11tact UNOMIL's Public lnfon11ation Office (Tel.226-048/49 - Ext.5113/14: Fax 226-035)

INTERNET: http://www. un. org/Depts/DPKO/Missions/unomil. html

L6 / 07 '97 11: 27 '8'2129639924 ur.;mnL HQS

UNITED NATIONS. NATIONS UNIES j

UNOMIL~ ~~ UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA


FAX NOs: 963-1186 963-9070 963-7055

DATE:16 July

SUBJECT: Release & Media Summary

FROM:

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226 - 049

Total No. of pages: 3

~001

Page 1/

C

16 / 07 '97 ll:28 '8'2129639924 [ JNOMTL HQS ~002



UNOMIL PuhUc: Info rmation VrriJ

MEDIA SUMMARY July lS~ l 9 9 ?

TAYLOR RESCINDS The Heritage reports that NPP presidential candidate Charles Taylor has withdrawn the "threatening

statement" he made against the Chairman oflECOM, G. Henry Andrews. Both the Council of State and

IECOM have apparently threatened action against Taylor unless he formally withdrew the statement.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Roosevelt Johnson described Taylor's threats as "reckless, troubling and

violence inspiring". He further assured the Commissioners and the Liberian people that "God-sent angels are

here to protect the Liberian people for God Himself is tired with the bloodshed in the country." Partisans of the

NPP Jacob Town branch have expressed their disagreement over Taylor's statement, commenting that bis

"words create negative feelings not only for the opposition but also his own partisans". (Heritage and Dail)'.

Observer)

NPPRADIO According to UP presidential candidate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the NPP-owned "Radio Liberia

International" is deliberately engaged in misinforming potential voters in the Liberian hinterland in a "desperate

attempt" to mislead the electorate. Sirleaf asserted that the radio station falsely broadcast that the UP's

candidate has withdrawn from the race, and vowed that "if they think that they can get away with inflicting

harm on somebody, we are going to give it back to them." KISS-FM also reported that Sirlcafhad not in fact

resigned from UNDP, but had instead taken a six-month leave-of-absence. Meantime, hundreds of thousands of

Liberian women will 15 July stage a peaceful demonstration -- being touted as an "Ellen Day March" -- to show

their support for Sirleafs candidacy. (The News)

PRESIDENT TAYLOR? Four days before the holding of the 1997 special elections in Liberia, Charles Taylor has reportedly begun to

name his cabinet. Among Taylor's "appointees" are: Jolu, T. Richardson, credited for the planning and

execution of "Operation Octopus'' in 1992, has been given the Defense Ministry portfolio; Cllr. Francis

Garlawolo will be the Minister of Justice; current Agriculture and Foreign Ministers, Dr. Roland Massaquoi

and Monie Captan will retain their current positions; and Jenkins Dunbar will become Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy. Meanwhile, the Heritage also reports that several current Taylor appointees and supporters are

engaged in using revenue acquired due to their positions to support Taylor's presidential campaign. (Heritage)

MALU ON ELECTION SECURITY ECOMOG FC Maj. Gen. Victor Malu has indicated that he has deployed a force of 10_500 soldiers plus 500

specially trained electoral police to polling places throughout the country. General Malu commented that there

"' are less than 2000 polling centers throughout the country and that with the present strength of 10,500 men,

ECOMOG will cover every polling center and deal "ruthlessly" with anyone attempting to create chaos. "I

0

C

C

16 / 07 ' 97 11:29 '82129639924 I JNOMTL HQS ~003

- 2 -

assure all Liberians that ECOMOG will be present at all voting centers and so nobody can dare to intimidate you". He said ECOMOG has successfully retrieved over 6,300 weapons and that the Force has reduced by about 35,000 the number of weapons in circulation in Liberia. (Heritage)

MATHEWS AHEAD IN NEW POLL A presidential poll conducted by The Inquirer has put UPP candidate G. Baccus Matthews out in front in the

race for the presidency. The poll gave the UPP 47.83 percent of the total vote, with the UP second with 28 .26 percent, and the NPP, the Alliance and LPP following with 13 .04, 4.35, and 4.35 percent respectively. (The

Inquirer)

U.S. CONTRIBUTIONS The US Chief of Mission to Liberia, Amb. William Milam, has commented that the value of goods and

services provided by the United States for the elections in Liberia as of 9 July is US$9.2 mi11ion.(Ihe.1nquirer)

NPP VS. UP, AGAIN Officials of the Unity Party in Kabada, Kparnya Statutory DistTict, Sinoe County have reported that the

IECOM head registrar in the region has punched voter cards, which are by law only to be punched on the day of election to prevent anyone from voting twice. An official of UP says the card punching is "a conscious attempt by the registrar to deny hundreds of his partisans from exercising their franchise", and alleged that most locally recruited IECOM workers are NPP loyalists. According to the report, the Magistrate of Sinoe County confirmed the punching of some cards, but attributed it to human error. (Heritage)

ARCHBISHOP FRANCIS ON NEXT PRESIDENT Catholic Archbishop Michael Francis has called on Liberia to vote for a "practical and sincere democrat",

who respects fundamental hwuan rights, who believes in "democratic principles" .. . and who "practices what they believe". The Archbishop also called for the selection of a candidate who is "tolerant, not arrogant", and who is "decent, honest and sincere". (Daily Observer)

MORE TROUBLE IN SIERRA LEONE Thousands of Sierra Leonean refugees, Kamajors and Liberian residents have been evacuated further inland

from Bo Waterside as a result of fierce fighting on the Liberian border between the combined force of RUF rebels and the Sierra Leone Anny, and the local Kamajor militia. During a recent visit to the area, The Inquirer observed that only ECOMOG and UNOMIL officers were still at Bo Waterside, as all of the inhabitants have been evacuated to Tieni and Sinje in Grand Cape Mount County. Meantime, The Inq.uirer reports that Togba Nah-Tipoteh's LPP campaign in Grand Cape Mount "turned into a humanitarian assistance program" when the LPP campaign team abandoned its political rallies to aid fleeing Sierra Leonean refugees. (The Inquirer)

NEW RADIO STATION ON AIR A new radio station, "Star Radio", is broadcasting on FM as of 15 July. The station, which is underwritten

by the Swiss NGO Foundation Hirondelle, is expected to add shortwave capability before election day. (BBC)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEI THER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIE THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES A DULY A TIIUBUTED.

I_

"

.,

07 / 07 ' 97 13 : 35 '5'2129639924 UNOMIL HQS

- 2 -

HARDSHIP IN THE HINTERLAND

[4)003

Women are reluctant to return to Sasstown City, the mayor says, because of the dearth of " lappa" or cloth to wrap themselves in and because food is scarce. Grand Kru Association Chairperson Mrs. Helena Torh is pointing to the hardships being endured by the people there while Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Ruth Milton is saying that residents in her connty are in need of urgent attention, with most sleeping out in the open. (National Chronicle)

CAMPAIGN TALES AND TRAILS The Monrovia Guardian ascribes the letdown of Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirlea-rs recent campaign trip to Sanniquellie

to advance man Samuel Saye Dokie who allegedly misused funds intended for the purchase and slaughter of a cow to feed the candidate' s Sanniquellie supporters. According to the Monrovia Guardian, when asked about the beef, Mr. Dokie said the cow was tied by him at the home of his cousin but that the cow cut the rope and ran away.

UPP candidate Gabriel Baccus Matthews leaves Monrovia 4 July for Tubmanburg on another leg of his campaign. NDPL candidate Dr. George Boley will also visit Tubmanburg from 12-14 July for what is described as a three-day " reconciliation bonanza." Meantime, the Liberia National Union's presidential aspirant Dr. Harry F. Moniba lannches his party's campaign on 5 July. (Monrovia Guardian and The News)

ALCOP ACCUSED The Liberian Youths Associated for Positive Actions Inc. (LIBYOPA) has accused ALCOP partisans of being

responsible for the death of one person and injuries to 17 undergoing medical treatment at the Ganta Methodist Hospital. Meantime, AFL Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Kromah, denying recent reports that he is a member of ALCOP, states that he was seen upcountry at the time of an ALCOP rally because (i) there had been a death in tl1e family and (ii) AFL was conducting an assessment tow- in the area. (Monrovia Guardian and ELBC)

MICRO FINANCE PROJECT A UNDP-sponsored five-day "training of trainers" workshop in micro finance has ended in Monrovia and a micro

credit programme is soon to be launched as part of reintegration efforts. The primary aim is to empower women and the handicapped .. National and international NGOs and commnnity-based organizations, including credit unions and cooperatives, will drawon grassroots level micro credit schemes. (The Inquirer)

IECOM AND TLA IECOM Chairman, G. Henry Andrews, on-again off-again meeting with TLA legislators to discuss IECOM 's role

has been rescheduled for 8 July. His failure to meet with the TLA during the week proved controversial with a number of assemblymen. Elsewhere, the IECOM Chairman commented that levelling the playing field is the sole responsibility of the Liberian government. (ELBC and The Transition)

RADIO CALLS Mr. Cholo Brooks, President and Chief Executive Officer of a newly established news agency, the Gbola News

Network, has called upon the Liberian Government to strengthen the capacity oftl1e state-owned radio station and to prioritize the need to keep rural inhabitants adequately informed on the pending elections. Information Minister, Joe W. Mulbah, has cautioned Foundation Hirondelle, the Swiss NGO currently setting up an independent radio station, that its broadcasts should be free and fair, and controlled by Liberians. Project manager George Benett told the Minister that the new radio station aims to be independent and impartial. (The Inquirer and The Transition)

POLICE CHIEF'S CAMPAIGN CLAMP-DOWN Police Director Charles Deshield says the police will arrest any individual found distributing propaganda pictures

and other leaflets that depict atrocities from the seven-year civil war in Liberia. Director Deshield cited as an example recent photographs depicting hum.an skulls carrying the inscription 'Chucky Did it". (The News).

CHECKPOINT The News says 1 July marks a year since the Armed Forces of Liberia was last given a pay cheque. (The News)

PLEASE NOTE: PUBUCATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRINT AND RADJO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE

01 / 07 '97 22:15 '5"2129639924 UNOMIL HQS


UNOMIL UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LI


FAX NOs: 963-1186 v--6-(. 963-9070 963-7055

DATE: 1 July


FROM: --..:::....:-v, Chief PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT- UNOMIL

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049


Page 1/

14)001

01 / 07 '97 22:16 'B2129639924 UNOMIL HQS 141002

UNITED NATIONS • MISSION D' OBSERVATION DF,S

OJISER VER MISSION IN LIB£RIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Ptt/Jli, l'!fOllftS/1°" Vnll

MEDIA SUMMARY July l , 1917

IECOM PRESS CONFERENCE

IECOM Chairman Henry Andrews said the registration process got off to "a shaky start". However, but that

despite the initial "logistical nightmare", things had got "a little better'' and after three days IECOM was "doing

as well as we could have hoped." Addressing a press conference at IECOM HQ, Chairman Andrews noted that

IECOM had encountered conditions "worse than one could imagine", including population shifts that no-one

had known about. He confirmed that the registration process was being extended by three days and that voter

rolls would be exhibited as of 4 July. He also clarified that once 600 names had been entered at a registry

station, the roll would be closed and another opened. He observed that questions concerning the length of the

presidential term should be addressed by ECOW AS, not IECOM. Andrews vigorously denied that any region

or ethnic group in the country had been excluded from the registration process, noting that IECOM's initial lists

adjusted to reflect updated population and road accessibility data provided by UNOMIL and ECOMOG.

Introducing Paul Harrington of the EU, the IECOM Chairman acknowledged the EU's financial and

material support of the electoral process and IECOM. Harrington confirmed that the EU would provide some

$600,000 to meet the salaries ofIECOM temporary registration staff, and that a further sum of$288,000 was in

the pipeline to meet salaries of polling staff. Harrington said that there was no truth to the rumour that the EU

had made out a cheque for $3. 7 million to IECOM. (ELBC)

JOINT COORDINATION MECHANISM

The UN and ECOW AS have issued a communique establishing a Joint Coordination Mechanism to address

technical issues arising during the electoral process in Liberia. The two organizations agreed to ensure that

operational requirements are met and that the electoral process remains on track. They will also coordinate the

deployment of logistics and security arrangements for international observers, identify gaps and needs in the

electoral process, and jointly certify whether the election is free and fair. (The National)

JETER PLEDGES U.S. SUPPORT

U.S. Special Presidential Envoy to Liberia, Amb. Howard Jeter, has revealed that "we are seeking

authorization to provide an additional US$1.5 million to ECOMOG, in the form of helicopter lift and

01 / 07 '97 22:17 '5'2129639924 UNOMIL HQS lg]003

- 2 -' ..

communications equipment", and reiterated his belief that "even though the eight-week extension timetable is

tight, elections can be held" on time. (The National)

ECOMOG ENFORCES ELECTORAL LAW

ECOMOG has arrested 15 persons for various violations of electoral law including compiling of illegal

voter registration lists, double registration, attempted sale of voter registration cards, impersonation of voter

registrars, and intimidation ofregistrants. As an added security precaution, ECOMOG Force Commander Maj.

Gen. Victor Malu has directed all ECOMOG checkpoints to stop and detain all vehicles lacking registration

plates or having tinted windows. The order comes in the wake of reports that vehicles of this type are being

used for criminal activities. In a related story, ECOMOG has apparently recovered a large cache of small arms

and ammunition in two cordon and search operations conducted last month in Bong County. (ELBC, ~

Inquirer, BBC and KISS FM)

PROBLEMS IN GRAND CAPE

The Inquirer reports that at least 20 persons, mostly children, are dying daily in Grand Cape Mount County

from severe hunger and lack of medicine. Citizens and residents ofVonzula, Sinje, Teini, Tewor and Garwula

Tombay have indicated that "for a protracted period they have been surviving on bulgur wheat instead of their

staple food [rice]". Those interviewed attributed their present difficulties to bad road conditions and the

inaccessibility of their farms. (The Inquirer)

WOODS, KR.OMAR ON ELECTIONS

The Director of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, Samuel Kofi Woods, has asserted that any

elections conducted in Liberia under dubious circumstances "will plunge the country into further chaos and

destruction". Delivering the keynote address at the formal launching of a nationwide voter registration

campaign, Woods warned that all preconditions and standards for free and fair elections must be put into place

before the scheduled elections. Meanwhile, ALCOP presidential candidate Alhaji Kromah has stated that "the

only way ALCOP would not win this election would be ifthere was fraud -- massive fraud." (The News, Radio

Monrovia)

PLEASE NOTE; PUBLICA TlON OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIF,S THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES AR DULY ATI'RIBUTED.

01 / 07 '97 10:53 '5'2129639924 UNOMIL HQS l(l]OO l

UNITED NATIONS • NATIONS UN ES / / ,

J t-J 00l l=-~f'l~c/'l_ UNOMIL

UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN L


FAX NOs: 963-1186 963-9070 963-7055 c./'"

DATE: 1 July

SUBJECT: Media Sununary

or<

FROM:

231-226-035; 3-9924 231-226-049

Page 1/

01 / 07 ' 97 10 : 54 '0'2129639924 UNOMI L HQS ~00 2

UNITED NATIONS • MJSSION D1 OBSERVATI ON DES

OBSERVER MISSION IN UBERIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL

MEDIA SUMMARY .1\met 30 ~ HJ7

SECRETARY-GENERAL ON LIBERIAN ELECTIONS The Daily Times and the Daily Observer report that the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has

commented that the timetable for the remaining phases of the process is "uncomfortably tight." In his 23rd Progress Report on the UN Observer Mission in Liberia, the Secretary-General said flexibility was shown by the summit meeting of the ECOW AS Committee of Nine in Abuja in extending the electoral period, but that the extension "falls short of the time, under normal circumstances, that would be needed to ensure the proper performance of technical processes involved". (Daily Times and the Daily Observer)

IECOMWOES The News reports that the problems characterizing the beginning of voter registration have exposed IECOM's

"drastic" logistical inadequacies, and demonstrates its "questionable preparedness" to hold elections as scheduled. The paper reports that there "has been no huge inflow of funds to the commission", pointing to the Taiwanese US$ I million, which has not been received in full, the Nigerian Government's contribution of only US$100,000, and "very meager" support from the EU and other sectors of the international community. The report asserts that IFES, which is expected to contribute some US$6 million, is reportedly having some "procedural differences" with the subregional authorities concerning the manner in which this money is to be spent. The article also decried the lack of independent monitors and representatives of political parties at registration centres, and points to further uncertainties over the enforcement of limits on campaign spending. Meanwhile, the Daily Observer asserts that the lack of international support for IECOM can be blamed on ECOW AS' insistance that all electoral assistance be channeled through the sub-regional body. The paper also pointed to that ECOWAS' decision to ovenule the recommendation of members of the international community involved in the process and over ten Liberian political parties that the elections be postponed until October as a potential reason for lack of international support. (Daily Observer, ELBC and The News)

THREATS AGAINST CIVIL SERVANTS The Daily Times reports that certain officials of government are threatening civil servants with dismissal if they

do not join the political parties to which their superiors belong. According to the report, some employees have been told that if they fail to produce party membership cards, they would not be allowed to sign for their wages. (~ I.ime.s)

ALLIANCE DOUBTS The Alliance of Political Parties has asserted that the basic conditions essential to establishing credibility for

elections in Liberia "are yet to be attained", and that elections held under the current conditions may ultimately undermine the establishment of a "sustainable peace". The Alliance specifically pointed to IECOM's inability to establish voter registration and polling centres in most parts of the country, as well as lack of adequate voter education, especially in terms of proportional representation system. Meanwhile, Liberian Human Rights advocate Kofi Woods has indicated his belief that the nation was not ready for elections to be held on 19 July. (The News, BBC)

US ELECTORAL CONTRIBUTIONS U.S. Chief of Mission to Liberia, Amb. William Milam has commented that the U.S. Government would consider

it "a tragedy" if the elections were postponed. Ambassador Milam reasserted that he is "interested in seeing the elections happen on time", and further explained that the U.S . Government would not provide cash to IECOM.

'

01/07 '97 10:55 '6'2129639924 UNOMIL HQS @003

- 2 -

"That's not the way we work in any elections that we've ever supported", Milam commented, "and that's not the way we work in Liberia. We provide commodities, ballot papers, voting booths, ink, pencils and everything, and it will be here on time." (The Inquirer)

SIRLEAF, CEDE ON TAYLOR Ellen Johnson-Sirleafhas cautioned that if her political "arch-rival" Charles Taylor wins the upcoming elections

through means of fraud, he "will never be allowed to govern Liberia". Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Center for Democratic Empowerment (CEDE), Commany Wesseh, has inidcated his concern that Taylor will "resort to violence" if he loses the election. Wesseh further asserted that he does not believe Taylor's comments that "there will be no war" after the elections no matter what the results. (Daily Times, BBC)

ECOMOG ARRESTS The News reports that the TLA has written to the CoW1cil of State requesting that they intervene with ECOMOG

over the arrest and detention of three top government officials. Those arrested were FDA Managing Director Madison Wion and his Deputy T. Romeo Quiah, as well as the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation's Deputy Managing Director for Administration Amos Chayee. No reason for their arrest has yet been made public, but on 28 June the National Chronicle carried a story captioned "For Taylor Assassination Plot, Big Names Arrested, Others in Hiding". The story has since been described as a "lie and fabrication" by Grand Gedeh Collllty representative, George S. Dweh, who further asserted that "at no time did any member of the Krahn tribe hold a meeting to assassinate Mr. Taylor". There were late reports that the officials had been released. (The News, National Chronicle, and DC-101)

PRESIDENT CARTER LEAVES LIBERIA Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has left Monrovia where he met with political leaders, government officials,

and members of the international community and called on those conducting the upcoming elections to ensure that the process is free and fair. (Daily Times, ELBC)

MAGISTRATES IN SINOE The Monrovia Daj]y News reports that 75 ex-fighters of the NPFL -- now partisans of the NPP -- have been

recruited by local IECOM magistrates in Greenville, Sinoe County to register voters, displacing a number of registrars chosen by IECOM and sent from Monrovia. (Monrovia Daily News)

POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN NIMBA According to ELBC, at least six persons sustained injury in Ganta, Nimba County in a clash between partisans of

the NPP and supporters of ALCOP. The incident reportedly occurred when some NPP militants below voting age attempted to disrupt a political gathering organized by ALCOP's Nimba County branch on the occasion of a visit by the party's presidential candidate Alhaji Kromah. (ELBC)

INK SOLVENT The Inquirer reports that "criminal-minded" individuals have discovered a chemical which removes the indelible

ink being used by the IECOM to prevent double registration for the 19 July elections. The chemical is allegedly the locally manufactured Clora, a chlorine derivative.(The Inquirer)

ELECTORAL POLICE Liberia National Police Director Charles Deshield has commented that over one million Liberian dollars is

needed to deploy police officers at polling centers throughout the colllltry for the upcoming elections. Deshield indicated that equipment had been issued to the officers, but they have yet to be deployed "for fmancial reasons", and asserted that funds are needed "to purchase vehicles and other logistics". (Monrovia Daily News)

I , 25 / 06 ' 97 13 : 09 '5'2129639924 UNOMIL HQS ~001


UNOMIL ~ l

UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA u ti tJ ,,."":, l -_) ;.e t


FAX NOs: 963-1186 ✓-· O?-, 963-9070 963-7055 ✓ o,v

DATE: 24 June


FROM: ly, Chief P C INFORMATION UNIT- UNOMIL

FAX NO: 231 - 226-035 ; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231 - 226-04 9


Page 1/

I ~ 25 / 06 ' 97 13 :09 '5'2 129639924 UNOMIL HQS "1)002

UNITED NATIONS • MISSION D' OllSKI\VATION DES

08.sl!I\VER tdlSSION IN LIBERIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL

MEDIA SUMMARY

VOTER REGISTRATION: DAY ONE Speaking on BBC's ''Focus on Afiica" program, ECOMOG Force Commander Maj . Gen. Victor Malu

admitted that the voter registration campaign due to start today, 24 June, was negatively effected by torrential rains, but insisted that the electoral timetable will remain on schedule. Meanwhile, potential voters have raised concern about the inaccessibility and lack of registrars in certain parts of the country. IECOM has maintained that registrars will be deployed only in areas certified as secure by ECOMOG. (The Inquirer and BBC)

ELECTORAL HOSTAGES The Heritage reports that a plan "involving hostage taking of electoral officers as well as widespread

intimidation and elimination of perceived enemies" is being prepared in Bong County. The paper asserts that at a meeting held at Suacoco, Bong County, "top form.er generals" of the defunct-NPFL vowed to hold all electoral officers in their areas hostage if Charles Taylor does not win the presidential election. (Heritage)

KAMAJORS IN LIBERIA The Inquirer reports that Sierra Leone's Kamajor hunter militia hunters have begun recruiting Liberian

fighter to participate in the hunters' campaign against the forces of coup leader Major Jonhny Paul Koroma. A Kamajor general indicated that the recruitment is intended "to strengthen the manpower of the militia forces against the combined forces of the coup government and the Revolutionary United Front of Corporal Foday Sank.or''. The hunter general denied claims that the Kamajors were receiving military and humanitarian assistance from ECOMOG in Liberia, and indicated that .. most of the fighters [recruited] are youths who have been trained by experienced military ex-service men." (The Inquirer)

NPPVS. UP Unity Party (UP) candidate Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has commented that she will encourage UP members to

file law suits against Charles Taylor and the NPP for damages incWTed by the UP's convoy during a recent trip to Bong County. Sirleaf indicated that five members of UP were iajured during the altercation, and called on IECOM "to bring the full force of the law to bear on the NPP for organizing and facilitating the violence". Meanwhile, the Daily Observer reports that supporters of the NPP clashed with UP partisans in Monrovia over a poster reading "CHUCKY DID IT", which depicts the horrors that characterized the seven-year civil war. While attempting to remove the posters, NPP partisans apparently chanted that "the war is not over yet". In an editorial entitled "Punish The Thugs", the Daily Observer asserted that the NPP has "monopolized the thuggery that has so far characterized the week-long campaign activities", and concluded that "the NPP must be held responsible and punished for these lawless acts". (ELBC, Daily Observer, The National)

KROMAH ON POLITICAL VIOLENCE ALCOP presidential candidate Albaji Kromah says if the reported wave of harassment and intimidation of

citizens in areas previously controlled by the disbanded NPFL are not contained by IECOM, results of the elections from those areas ''will not be accepted". Addressing ALCOP's formal launching program, K.romah made specific reference to reports of "unruly behavior" on the part of NPP supporters in Bong and Nimba Counties, but assured Liberians that "there will be no more war after the upcoming general and presidential elections". Kromah also promised Liberians that an ALCOP-led government ''will not allow the soil of Liberia

I j 25 / 06 '97 13:10 '6'2129639924 UNOMIL HQS

- 2 -

to be used to export instability in the sub region". (The Inquirer , The National, Daily Observer and ELBC)

REGISTRATION CARD SCAM

lil)003

State Councilman Dr. Vamba Kanneh has expressed "concern" over reports that "certain political parties have employed individuals to buy registration cards from eligible voters in order to fraudulently win [sic] the upcoming elections." Councilman Kanneh suggested that such criminal activity will "create serious problems for the electoral process", and called on the authorities to "vigorously pursue and apprehend those involved in such acts". (ELBC)

WASIDNGTON NOT PDPL CANDIDATE KISS FM reports that the Supreme Court of Liberia has issued a petition for a "writ of prohibition" to

prevent IECOM from treating Dr. George Toe Washington as the presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party of Liberia (PDPL). The writ would also prevent Dr. Washington from carrying out any political activities under the party's banner. (KISS-FM)

MALU MEETS WITH PARTY OFFICIALS ON June 24, General Malu will hold a special meeting with political party Chairmen and standard bearers at

the ECOMOG headquarters. Among the issues to be discussed will be the potential lifting of the midnight to 6 a.m. curfew.(ELBC, DC-101)

IECOM RECEIVES FUNDS The Liberian Government has completed payment ofUS$500,000 to IECOM. The Governor of the

National Bank of Liberia indicated that with the recent payment, the Liberian Government has fulfilled its budgetary obligations to the Commission. (ELBC)

UPP LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN United People's Party (UPP) candidate G. Baccus Matthews has warned Liberians that "the international

community will abandon the country if those who initiated untold sufferings on them are rewarded with political power". Mathews spoke at the launching his party's campaign in Sinje, Garwula District, Grand Cape Mount County. (The National)

UNICEF AMBASSADOR IN LIBERIA UNICEF Special Representative for Sports and Liberian football-hero George Weah has reaffirmed "the

need for the provision of more health and educational services for the children of this country". Weah commented that "Liberia. is endowed with smart young folks who can become more useful in the development process of Liberia [but that] useful contributions are being hindered by the lack of educational training and health facilities." (The National)

Pl EASE NOTE; PUBl,ICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHEll ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES

THE ACCURACY OF THI!. CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS ORA WN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOUllCES AR

DULY ATfRlBUTEll.

16 / 07 ' 97 11: 30 '8'2129639924 t rNmnL HQS ~004

UNITED NATIONS OBSEJtVEII MISSION IN LlllEllIA • MISSION D' OBSERVA'flON DES


UNOMIL Publil' J,ifonnUlion Unlt

PRESS RELEASE H Joly 1917

STATEMENT BY SRSG AMB. TJJLIAMENI KOI,OMOH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- On 19 July Liberians will go to the polls for muchdelayed elections marking the culmination of repeated efforts to bring to an end the bitter civil war that has plagued this land and its people for seven long years. UNOMIL commends all those whose efforts for registration overcame logistical and other difficulties to make the voter turn-out possible.

By the very act of registering to vote, thousands and thousands of Liberians sent a clear and unambiguous indication of the nation's faith in the democratic process. Those who registered represent a credible and substantial proportion of Liberia's estimated population of voting age. Their decision to register is a gratifying milestone in the long road to peace.

Now, as the political campaign enters its final days, UNOMIL joins its international partners, especially ECOWAS and ECOMOG, in urging all Liberians and the political

c parties to avoid acts of harassment and/or intimidation. Let the campaign conclude in a spirit of tolerance and respect for opposing points of view that will serve as a bridge to the new Liberia and an example for the government it elects.

C

Let all who registered show their continuing commitment to participatory government by returning to the place they registered and casting their ballot in this most fundamental of democratic processes . Those who have registered can best pay tribute to the preparation and sacrifice that has made this election possible by ensuring that they turn out to vote.

Too much suffering has been endured to jeopardize the entire peace process by letting acrimony and division rule the day. UNO MIL and the international community urge all those who registered to go forward and complete the democratic process by exercising their right to vote in the secrecy of the polling booth. Let Liberia live again!

For further i11formation contact UNOMJL 's Public Information Office 226-048,049 Ext. 5114, Fax: 226-035

~ . §:.

14 / 07 ' 97 11 : 17 5'2129639924 UNOMI L HQS

UNITED NATIONS {~) NATIONS UNIES ~ ~

UNOMIL ~f-JooL__~ UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA


FAX NOs:

DATE:

963-1186 V 'k 963-9070 963-7055

FROM . 'CT"~~:::....:- f N

IT - UNOMIL

FAX NO: 231 - 226 - 035; 3-9 92 4 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

Total No. of pages:

SUBJECT: Media Summary --t- M_~ ~~~

Page 1/

[4]001

14 / 07 '97 11:17 '0'2129639924 ll NOMIL IIQS [4]002 ~, UNITED NATIONS MISSION D' OBSERVA11ON DES


UNOMIL

-o ================================================== MEDIA SUMMARY July 11-lJ , 1 99 7

ELECTION POSTPONEMENT? The Daily Times reports that the recent pronouncement by IECOM Chairman G. Henry Andrews that the 19 July

elections will go ahead as planned has provoked "a wave of misgivings" within political circles, with some political parties reportedly planning to boycott the elections. The Liberian Foreign Ministry "following intense consultations with Chiefs of Mission of the USA, the EC, UNOMIL, and ECOMOG ... has determined that free and fair democratic elections can now be conveniently held on schedule in Liberia". (Daily Times and The Transition)

SIRLEAF IN THE NEWS Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf s UP says it will participate in the elections once the drawbacks are removed and the process is

seen to be free and fair. UP described the voters registration system as being "far from credible and transparent," and cited the lack of logistics and funding as an indication that IECOM "is not prepared to conduct free and fair elections." The National Chronicle reports that with the publication of the voters roll on 11 July, Sir leaf is planning on asking the international community to declare the registration process "null and void" because of electoral irregularities. The Eirs! National Poll agrees, reporting that the UP -- along with 11 other political parties -- plans to discredit the voter registration process. However, at a presidential debate forum held at the University of Liberia on 11 July, Sirleaf assc1icd that she 1s "ready, willing and able" to participate in the elections on 19 July. An executive and two other UP officials have defected to Charles Taylor's NPP. According to the officials, they left the party because they were not too comfortable with Mrs. Sir-leaf's style ofleadership. Meanwhile, ALCOP presidential candidate A1haji Kromah has called on Sirleafto "exchange marital vows if she wants to ascend to the presidency of Liberia". (Daily Times, Radio Monrovia)

-o REGISTRATION: FIRST REPORTS

"

The First National Poll newspaper reports that a recent poll indicated that over 85 percent of those asked ''did you register to vote in the forthcoming elections"? answered in the affirmative. (First National Poll)

ELECTORAL MATERIAL HAND-OVER US Chief of Mission to Liberia, Amb. William Milam, handed over election-day materials including ballots, voting

booths and polling place kits to JECOM Chairman G. Henry Andrews at a ceremony at Roberts International Airport. The electoral materials were donated by the U .S. Government through the h1temational Foundation for Election System (TFES), with funds provided by the United States International Development Agency (USAID). A USIS release puts the total value of the materials at US$1 million. (The Inquirer, The Transition , ELBC)

COMPLAINT COMMITTEE IECOM has established a three-person committee headed by Commissioner Gloria Scott to investigate complaints

concerning the electoral process. In a related story, IECOM announced its rejection of intimidation charges brought against NPP supporters by the Unity Party. The Commission sited insufficient evidence as the rationale for the dismissal. Meanwhile, several NPP supporters were reportedly injured in a clash with UP supporters in the Monrovia suburb of Paynesville. (ELBC and KISS-FM)

BOLEY'S CIVIL WAR NDPL presidential candidate Dr. George Boley has commented that his involvement in the civil conflict was

"resistance to tyranny" and asserted that he has "succeeded in focusing our energies and concerns on the democratic process and not the use of guns to obtain power. For so doing we have no apologies." (The News and The Inquirer)

FAHNBULLEHSOUNDSOFF Reformation Alliance Party (RAP) presidential candidate H. Boima Fahnbulleh has disagreed with an assertion made

14 / 07 '97 11:19 e212gs39924 UNOMIL IIQS @003

- 2 -

by Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia Joshua Iroha that heads of political parties and former warring factions did not object in Abuja to the imposition of the 19 July election date. According to Dr. Fahnbulleh, the heads of l6 parties and former factions present in Abuja preferred October as the date for the elections, although UPP's Gabriel B~ccus Matthews wanted the elections to be in June ( 1997), and the NPP' s Charles Taylor wanted no further postponement. The RAP presidential aspirant went on to comment that "Ambassador Iroha is not the Governor-General of Liberia to decide what Liberians want; in fact, there are ambassadors of other West African countries who have contributed troops, but do not make such statements like this gentleman." (The Inquirer)

LA WYERS OBJECT Lawyers attending a two-day workshop on electoral law have expressed their opposition to a provision of Chapter

Seven of the Special Elections Law, which concerns the status of the president after the elections. The lawyers called for an amendment of the chapter to promote peace and unity in accordance with the preamble of the Special Elections Law. (The Inquirer)

REPORT ON RAPES The Interfaith Council of Liberia (ICL) has disclosed that about 25 ,000 girls and women were raped during the seven

year civil war. In conjunction with the Female Lawyers Association, ICL also asserted that there are some "13,000 child soldiers and or about 30,000 unaccounted for orphans". (The Transition)

BORDER CLASHES BBC reports that fighting between forces loyal to the Sierra Leonean coup government and members of the Kamajor

militia along the Liberia-Sierra Leonean border has created some 6,000 refugees . The RUF is reported to have told ECOMOG "not to interfere in the conflict". The message was delivered by a note affixed to the chest of a Kamajor militiaman who had his arms amputated. VOA also reported that Sierra Leonean forces clashed with ECOMOG soldiers 30 km east of Freetown. Dozens were reported killed. (BBC and VOA)

LIBERIAN PEACE TALKS ECOMOG Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Abdul One Mohammed has announced that efforts are underway to bring former

ULIMO~J leader Roosevelt Johnson together with former-NPFL leader and NPP presidential candidate Charles Taylor for "peace talks". The talks are believed to be related to the recent arrest ofULIMO-J-appointee Madison Wion and is expected to take place at ECOMOG headquarters in Monrovia. (The Heritage)

PARK UNDER FIRE An editorial in Information Ministry's weekly The Transition takes USIS Country Director David Park to task for

"interfering in Liberian politics, something that no alien can do in America", and asserts that the electoral process in Liberia is "none of Mr. Park's business". Park was recently quoted in a local daily as exhorting Liberians not to vote for former warlords. (The Transition)

LCNON AIR The Liberia Communication Network (LCN) Charles Taylor's media group, has announced its acquisition of a TV

transmitter. LCN indicated that test transmission will begin next week. (KISS-FM)

OBSERVER TEAM DEPLOYS The U.S .-based Friends of Liberia (FOL) has deployed 30-strong team of observers for the upcoming elections . The

team is made up of former Peace Corps volunteers who served in Liberia. (ELBC)

SENEGALESE MINISTER IN MONROVIA Senegalese Minister of Environment and conflict resolution expert Abdoulaye Baithily has arrived in Monrovia as a

guest of the Center for Democratic Empowerment. Minister Baithily, who also met with ECOMOG FC General Malu, is in Liberia "to explain the Senegalese experience of power sharing to Liberian political aspirants". (The Heritage and ELBC)

Pl ,EASE NOTE; PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMlL 'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

14/07 '97 11: 20 '5'2129639924 [lNmHL HQS

h /1) (....-1 / / L/L/W N . I

SPECIAL STATEMENT BY THE ECOMOG FORCE COMMANDER. MAJ GEN SAMUEL VICTOR MALU

ON THE FORTHCOMING ELECTION

It is my pleasure to welcome you once again to the ECOMOG 1-Iead,qm.rters. With exat:tly

seven days to the historic election which will fonnally end the Liberian conflic1, 1 deem it net.;t:ssa:-y

for the ECOMOG to clarify some issues pertaining to the forthcoming elections and clear son1e of

the dangerous rumours being peddled around concerning the poll .

I wish to state that arrangements are being concluded by ECOMOG to ensure th[lt all

materials to be used during the election, are transp011ed back to the IECOM headqua1tcrs few hours

after the close of voting to facilitate the work of IECOM Chairman in announcing the result. l tn this

regard, I want to dispel the rumour currently being spread by some w1scrupulous persons that the

election result will be announced in Abuja, and that the IECOM Chairman ar1d leaders of pc-litical

parties would be transported to Abuja for that purpose. 11lis rumour is completely false and should

be discountenanced by all citizens. The announcement of the result would be done here in Monrovia

by the IECOM Chai1man. Indeed, by the provision of the electoral law approved by the ECOVv'AS

Authorities, only IECOM has the powers to make statement ao the ekcioral proce_ss and annuunct:

the results. The ele~tion is being held for Liberia and the result will be announced here in Liberia. -- ---~

In the same vein I wish to assure all Liberians that there are no plans to close the nations

ports, during the elections, contrary to rumours being peddled around. The air and sea pons will

remain open and'bp&at1onal dunng the poll. It 1s also not nucToat road traffic ,viii be restricted .

These rumours are baseless and false . Liberians should go about their nonnal businesses and ignore

all these false rumours. They should continue to have confidence in the ability of ECOMOG to

protect them against any threat to security both during a.Y1d after the poll.

1

· .. ,• .

~004

C

1 4 / 07 '97 11: 20 '5'2129639924 llNOMTL HQS [4]005

CV In this regards, I wish to warn anybody planning to disrupt the election to forget it, tak~ heed

and allow the election to go on frec!y as planned . ECOJ\10G '.A.'Ould be very ruthles~ with ilnybody

attempting any such disruptions. We wol.ld deal with such individuals very firmly oecause the

election is being held in the best interest o f Liberia, and has been al:cepted by Liberians and the

International Community as the best way to close the history of the Liberian civil war. All

ECOMOG troops have been directed by order to deal decisively with any per3on or group engaging

in any acts capable of disrupting the election. I therefore once again urge all citizens to ignore the

rumours and continue their preparations to vo te for the candidate of their choice on July 19 _ W c

have been informed of people buying foodstuff to stock their homes in anticipation of trouble on

election day. I want to assure Liberians that ECOMOG is ready and prepared to ensure secur:ty

before.during and after the elections. Liberians mu!:t therefore not allow anyone to cow them down

and discourage them from coming out tu exercise their civic right b _v voting on the election d,,y. l

assure you that ECOl'vlOG is yery capable of protecLing you on the ekcrion day ;:;s w~ hnve b:(:n

doing in the past, with all the resources :cH our dispos:1l.

On the security situation in the country. ·v.•e me pleased that almost all the politicai parties

and their presidential aspirants are now confidently traversing all parts of Liberia. The various trips

by the party stalwarts have demonstrated and confirmed our assurances over the past months that

Liberia is indeed safe and secure from any security th.reat. Apart from the few isolated incidence of

harassment in the first day of electioneering, the conduct of the campaign has been very _smooth and

devoid of physical violence that often charac1ensc: election even in some democratic nations tha1

have not experienced civil war_ I therefore consider it as extremely unpatriotic for any Liberian to

sit in Monrovia at this stage granting interviews to the media claiming that some parts of Liberia

are still not safe. Whatever is the objective of such statements, it iS highly unpatriotic for it simply

means telling lies against one ' s coumry h.: c.ch ie\·e son,e 111terior motives. The security situation in

Liberia is conducive as has been prov,'.n by the safe t) enjoyed by all panic.:s everywhere in the

country. We have provided political p2.nies with esco11s to further enhance their confidence. This

we did, nevertheless, knowing that su~·.h escorts or addilional securiry was actually not ncce~:.ary

as anyone could move freely in any pan of Liberia as tbe ca..'11paign trail has shown. Indeed the mucb

demanded level-playing field has been achieved in the area of security even before the start of

2

14 / 07 '97 11:22 'lt2129639924 UNOMIL HQS 14]006

political activities which necessitated our series of appeals in April and May for parties to establish

their presence in the hinterland .

We have continued to record remarkable success in our efforts to recover all hidden weapons.

This we are doing as part of the continuous efforts to further improve the security situation in the

country and to enhance politicking and resuscitation of full economic activities all over the country . . Beginning from February 8 when we commenced the cordon and search operation to recover hidden

anns, ECOMOG has successfully retrieved over 6,300 weapons. I can state here ve1y proudly that

todate ECOMOG has reduced by about 35,000 the number of weapons in circulation in Liberia.

These weapons include artillery guns, anti-airc.raft guns, anti-tank guns, rocket-propelled gun (RPG),

machine guns, assault rifles, bombs and grenades. We have also recovered over 4million assorted

small arms ammunition. The peculiar fact about the hidden arms being recovered now is that they

are mostly buried in the ground. My troops have had to dig deep in swamps, in grave yards and

other odd locations from where they have been recovering these arms. It is therefore imponam for

Liberians to know that hidden arms which we a.re yet to find are no more a threat to anyone and we

shall eventually find them. I expect the electioneering IO intensify more in this last week of the

race as we continue to further improve on the security situation and no Liberian should entertain

any fear of threat to security by anyone .

At this point also, I wish to urge all Liberians to disregard a recent reported pronouncement

of threat to the IECOM Chairman by one of presidential contenders as a mere political bluff.

ECOMOG views such utterances very seriously no matter the circumstance in which they are made.

We have since been reassured by the candidate that no harm was meant. We are alert and vigilant

and would deal ruthlessly with any attempt to disrupt the peace process. We are striving to ensure

that the election is held in a very transparent manner devoid of any fraud. When the elections a.re

adjudged by Liberians, the numerous leam of observers, the Imernafr:rnal Community and ECO\VAS

as free, fair and transparently honest, ECOMOG would therefore go after any party leader who might

loose and attempt to resort to violence . The response of ECOMOG to any such attempt would

be heavy and decisive. The capability of ECOMOG has continued to improve with the assistance

we have continued to receive from the international communily. especially the United States, the

3

J 4/07 '97 11: 22 tl'2129639924 llNOMlL HQS ~007

Netherlands, Germany and Britain. Only a party leader who wants to be destroyed once and for all

would attempt to cause a breach of security, for loosing the election adjudged by everybod:1 else to

be honest, free and fair. Liberians should therefore ease their minds and worry no more that anyone

would cause problem after the elections.

I assure all Liberians that ECOMOG would be presem at all voting centres and so nobody

can dare to intimidate you; troop out to vote and contribute your quota to finally end the Liberi,111

crisis. I also wish to assure you that the election would be very free and fair and we shall do

everything that is possible to prevent any malpractices and cheating. Whoever emerges as the

winner at the end would have been truly elected by the Liberian people. I wish to conclude by

urging all Liberians to ignore the rumours and get sel to vote on July 19, and be rest assmed that ll1e

sufferings of the past seven years would come to a final end. I thank you all.

,~ July 1997

4

SVLMALU Major General Force Commander

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UNITED NATIONS ~) NATIONS UNIES u UNOMIL



FAX NOS: 963-1186 v- Pk 963-9070 963-7055a--~-/::..

DATE:


FROM:

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

Total No. of pages:

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UNITED NATIONS • MISSION D' OBSERVATION DES


UNOMIL Public lnfonnalion Uni/

MEDIA SUMMARY 4 J uly 1!19 7

CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP EXPRESSES ELECTIONS CONCERNS Catholic Archbishop Michael Francis has cautioned presidential candidates against mudslinging and character

assassination but says that it is appropriate to " speak the truth" where individual candidates were involved in illicit acts . On the subject of the application of election laws, the Archbishop said IECOM members should examine their conscience, and noted that if IECOM "cannot make it, it should come out to say it." He expressed concern about the lack of voter education, IECOM's logistical and financial problems and the absence of dialogue among political parties. He said the inability of the nation's public radio to reach all parts of the country to properly inform the people had opened the way for privately owned "electronic media" to spread misinformation, disinformation and lies about the electoral process. The Archbishop claimed that people living in areas controlled by former factions over the past seven years had been so trawnatized by the experience that they would be afraid to vote for the right person. If these issues and the reports of voter registration fraud are not addressed, the Archbishop concluded, the elections will not be credible. (The Inquirer)

CHEAPOO QUERIES REGISTRATION PROCESS PPP presidential candidate Chea Cheapoo told BBC's "Focus on Africa" that the registration process has been

fraudulent and that some people had registered two of three times. He also claimed that there was a traffic in registration forms coming across the border from Ivory Coast where the original forms had been printed at IECOM' s behest. (BBC/KISS FM)

ASSASSINATION PLOTS The News editorializes that the proposed Justice Ministry investigation of the plot to assassinate Charles Taylor

should be assigned to an impartial board of inquiry on grounds that the Justice Ministry is still factionalized. Meantime, the National Chronicle reports that about six trained "Fulanis" have entered Liberia to join others

already in the country at the invitation of " some politicians to assassinate other opponents." According to the report, a Fula businessman, Mohamed Barrie Dumuyah, claims the six were trained in Cuba and left Guinea on 25 June for Liberia. The others in the group reportedly arrived about two weeks ago and are allegedly deployed in the Ganta and Gbarnga areas. The Chronicle also features the TLA Press and Public Affairs Bureau' s crit1cism of its 28 June report that ECOMOG was seeking Assemblyman George Dweh in connection with a conspiracy to assassinate Charles Taylor. (The News and National Chrqoicle)

SUPPORT FOR ELECTIONS The Council of State has authorized the Finance Ministry to make US$200,000 available immediately to IECOM

to help ensure that the elections are held as scheduled The amount is in addition to the US$500,000 the Government has already given. Meantime, the Government also urged international donors to make good on their outstanding pledges to the electoral process.

Meanwhile, an Inquirer editorial calls on Liberians to support the elections because " a postponement at this time" will not augur well for the peace process. Postponement "means finding new funds to support the extension, sustain the staff of the Commission, and indeed, ECOMOG" at a time when the international community "has spent much to have us reach this far." Elsewhere, the Information Ministry's weekly The Transition accuses the international community of dragging its feet on pledged commitments to the electoral process. "We understand that IECOM chose to print the voter registration cards in La Cote d ' Ivoire because a western power, which pledged to undertake the printing of the elections materials, had reneged or defaulted on its commitment, leaving the commission with no other alternative but to choose a country where the cards would be printed at a reasonable cost which the commission is even finding difficult to pay." (The Transition, ELBC, KISS FM and The Inquirer)

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UNITED NATIONS • NATIONS UNI ES ~~ i l: tA-C

UNOMIL Jr-J(!Ji\,,

UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA ---,


FAX NOa: 963-1186 ✓•I<. 963-9070 963-7055

DATE: 19 June


FROM: IC

UNIT- UNOMIL

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049

Total No . of pages:3

Page 1/

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UNITED NATIONS MISSION D' 011SERVATION OKS


UNOMIL Publft Information Untr

MEpIA SUMMARY JUZle J.Y, lJ§7

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SABOTEURS IN NPP

The Patriot reports that "a group ofNDPL stalwarts, formally ofULIM:0-J," are posing as NPP members

with the intent of undermining the activities of the party. Among activities allegedly to be undertaken by these

agent provocateurs, are a deliberately-botched armed robbery attempt, and the eventual "assassination" ofNPP

presidential candidate Charles Taylor. Meanwhile, following clashes between supporters of the Unity Party,

ALCOP, RAP and the NPP, Taylor has threatened to banish any of his partisans engaging in "in acts of

thuggery", and instructed the NPP hierarchy to "educate the partisans against molesting, harassing or

intimidating their political opponents". (The Patriot, The Inquirer, BBC, ELBC)

US$14.3 MILLION FOR LIBERIA

The international donors meeting held in Geneva has reportedly raised US$14.3 million to support Liberia's

upcoming elections. Zimbabwe's Foreign Minister revealed that the United Nations Department of

Humanitarian Affairs, which called the pledging conference, had initially hoped to raise just US$5.4 million,

and that the excess will be put in an account "for use in the rehabilitation of the country." (Daily Observer)

LIBERIAN MERCENARIES

The Secretary-General of the Armed Forces Ruling Council in Freetown (AFRC) has asserted that former

Deputy Minister of Defense Capt. Samuel Nonnah, recently in Monrovia for talks with ECOMOG Force

Commander Maj . Gen. Victor Malu, returned from Liberia with weapons, ammunition, and rations earmarked

for the Kamajor militas currently engaging government forces in Sierra Leone's Kenema District. The AFRC

Secretary-General also suggested that Liberian mercenaries are being used to assist ECOMOG in overthrowing

the coup government. (BBC)

SRSG ON ELECTIONS

In a statement on the beginning of the presidential campaign, the Special Representative of the UN

Secretary-General in Liberia, Amb. Tuliameni Kalomoh, has called on all political parties to "strictly adhere to

the code of conduct established by IECOM" and to "live up to their responsibility to the Liberian people."

(ELBC, DC-101, Daily Times, The Inquirer)

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WOTORSON ON CANDIDATES

!41003

Alliance of Political Parties presidential candidate Cletus Wotorson has cautioned Liberians against voting

for candidates who either "participated in creating the present difficulties in their previous positions", or who

believe they have "a royal telephone to donors". "The donor community", Wotorson asserted, does not "deal

with persons, they deal with institutions". (The Inquirer)

IECOM ON PARTY OBSERVERS

IECOM has urged all political parties to appoint three representatives to monitor activities at every

registration centre. The Commission also requested that all local and international organizations wishing to

observe and monitor the registration process submit names, nationalities and photos of their representatives to

the Commission before 22 June. (KISS FM and ELBC)

REFUGEES RETURNING

West Africa magazine reports that Liberian refugees have begun "returning home voluntarily to take part in

the voter registration exercise which begins on June 24 and ends on July 10 [sic)". The report also asserts that

the UNHCR is providing free transport, "with an allowance ofUS$100 for those who have to travel farther than

Monrovia". Meanwhile, The Patriot asserts that UNHCR is collaborating with the Guinean Government to

conduct a general census of all refugees "living in the refugee reception areas of Guinea". (West Africa, and Ihe

Patriot)

UNOMIL CO-SPONSORS WORKSHOP

UNOMIL and the US-based Carter Center are sponsoring a one-week training programme for some 60

representatives of 12 local human rights organizations. UNOMIL electoral and human rights personnel will

take part in the training programme. (The Inquirer, ELBC, DC-101, Radio Monrovia)

UPP BEGINS CAMPAIGN On 19 June UPP presidential candidate G. Baccus Matthews will launch his campaign in Sinje, Grand Cape

Mount County. (The News)

UNDP DONATES RADIOS

The UNDP has donated more than 2,600 battery-free, "wind-up" radios to "assist those who have no access

to information on the upcoming elections." Distribution of the radios will focus primarily on rural areas with

limited access to impartial sources of information. The radios will distributed with the help ofUNOMIL's

electoral observers. (The News, The Inquirer, and Daily Times)

Pl ,EASE NOTE· PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFF1CE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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VNOMtL ~ ~g¥ -ri-

UNITED NATIONS • NATIONS UNIES ~

UNOMIL UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA


FROM:

FAX NOs: 963-1186 963-9070 963-7055

FAX NO: 23 1- 226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231- 2 26-049

DATE: 18 June Total No. of pages: 3

SUBJECT: SRSG Statement & Press Release

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OBSERVER MISSION [N LIBERIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Public lnfomllllion Unit

PRESS RELEASE 18 June 1997

UNOMIL CO-SPONSORS HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING PROGRAMME

The United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) and the Atlanta, Georgia-based Carter

Center are sponsoring a one-week training programme for some 60 representatives of 12 local human

rights organizations. The Carter Center, as the implementing partner of the International Federation for

Electoral Systems (IFES), will pick up the entire cost of the training programme.

The training programme will be divided into three phases, "human rights and democracy", "fact finding:

documenting, reporting and disseminating" and "post-elections institution building". The session is

designed as a follow up to the UNOMIL/USIS-sponsored skill-sharpening workshop which was held 1-2

May in Momovia.

The programme -- which begins on Wednesday, 18 June and ends on Wednesday, 25 June -- will be held

at the St. Theresa's Convent in downtown Monrovia. UNOMIL electoral and human rights personnel

will take part in the training programme .

For further information contact UNOMIL 's Public Information Office 226-048,049 Ext. 5114, Fax: 226-035

INTERNET: http://www.un.org/Depts/DPKO/Missions/unomil.html

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UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER. MISSION IN LIBERIA

UNOMIL Publit ln/onna11'on Unil

PRESS STATEMENT 17 June 1!191

SRSG'S STATEMENT ON OPENING OF ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN

~003

On the occasion of the opening of the electoral campaign 16 June, the Special-Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Liberia, Amb. Tuliameni Kalomoh, issued the following statement:

June 16 marked the official opening of the electoral campaign here in Liberia. After seven long years of civil war, the Liberian people now have a chance to elect the nation's first democratic government in more than a decade. Old rivals now face each other not on the field of battle but in the arena of politics. Not with guns, but with words and ideas. Let the debate be vigorous, strident and open, but let all political parties and candidates strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct laid down by IECOM and enforced by ECOMOG. All parties should be free to move throughout the country without fear of harassment or intimidation. During this season, you are not Muslims or Christians, you are not Gola, or Mandingo, or Kpelle or Vai - you are all Liberians, and this is your election. I call on all actors in the political process to live up to their responsibility to the Liberian people. UNOMIL and the entire international community stands ready to assist the process however possible.

For further information contact UNOMIL 's Public Information Office 116-048,049 Ext. 5114, Fax: 226-035

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-,z; I<.. / :2 / 3 tJ 6°-£ Ju /llL '"9 9 UNITED NATIONS • NATIONS UNIES

UNOMIL - 7 fM-~ ~ UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERIA

MIL-9.3 TO: Kevin Kennedy


FAX NOs: 963 -1186 V"'" D,k 963-9070 963-7055

DATE: 12 June

SUBJECT: Media Summaries

FROM:

UNIT- UNOMIL

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231-226-049


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OIISl!RVQ{ MISSION IN UBEIIIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA

UNOMIL Publfc /nfarmalion Unil

MEDIA SUMMARY Jiu, . 10 JJ97

ANDREWS ON IECOM IECOM Chairman G. Henry Andrews has commented that "anyone found cheating or frauding

during the elections will be fined half a million Liberian dollars and sentenced to life imprisonment".

Andrews disclosed that IECOM has established 1,700 polling centers, and recruited 6,000 voter

registrars to be stationed throughout the nation. The IECOM Chairman also commented that all

political parties should deposit US$3.5 million in a Liberian bank "to ensure their participation in the

ensuing elections". (Monrovia Daily News and The NationaJ)

TAYLOR ON VOTE RIGGING NPP Presidential Candidate Charles Taylor has alleged that "vote rigging" has started with "the

connivance" of IECOM. Displaying a "samp)e voter registration card" at a news conference on 8

June, Taylor said his party's intelligence unit of his party recently intercepted a copy of the voter

registration cards which had formerly been in the possession "of officials of an unnamed party." In

response, IECOM commented that voter registration cards have yet to be printed, and the Liberian

People's Party (LPP) has called on IECOM to immediately ask. Taylor to explain how and where he

took possession of the cards. (Monrovia Daily News, The National, ELRM)

POLITICAL PARTIES UP COUNTRY

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The Inquirer reports that political parties have begun holding rallies, opening offices and

recruiting local officials in central Liberia. Areas exhibiting "high enthusiasm" for the political

process include Gbamga, Ganta, Sanniquellie and Yekepa. Among the political parties reported to

be opening offices in the Liberian hinterland are the Liberia Unification Party (LUP), All Liberian Coalition Party (ALCOP), National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), United People's Party

(UPP), Unity Party (UP), Liberian People's Party (LPP) and the National Patriotic Party (NPP). (The

Inquirer)

LPL MERGES WITH NPP The National Patriotic Party (NPP) and The Labor Party of Liberia (LPL) are reported to have

merged and are supporting a single slate of candidates. (The Inquirer)

ECOMOG MONITORS ECOMOG Force Commander Maj. Gen. Victor Malu has appointed "elections officers" to

coordinate security throughout the country during the electoral process. General Malu announced the

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measure on 9 June when the outgoing UN-RACO Coordinator Tesema Negash paid him a farewell

visit. (KISS-FM, The National)

LNP TRAINING Five hundred officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) are undergoing "refresher training" as

Elections Security Police (ESP). The officers were selected and trained under the direction of the

International Criminal Investigation Assistance Program (ICIT AP) of the United States Department

of Justice. (KISS FM, ELBC, Momovia Guardian and The National)

REFUGEES FLEE SIERRA LEONE

General Malu has asserted that the recent coup in Sierra Leone is bringing a new wave of

refugees into Liberia, and ECOMOG troops stationed in border areas have "been giving regular

reports of Sierra Leoneans escaping brutality by the rebels." Meanwhile, the Armed Forces

Revolutionary Council (AFRC) "anti-looting squad" is reportedly summarily executing those caught

either looting or in possession of looted property. A spokesman for the coup government described

as "a blatant lie" Sierra Leonean Ambassador to the UN James Jonah's assertion that the coup leaders

had offered to relinquish power in return for financial considerations. (KISS-FM, ELBC, BBC)

MSF SUSPENDED The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has suspended the international NGO Medicins Sans

Frontieres (MSF) from administering vaccines in Liberia. The action comes as a result ofMSF

reportedly giving the wrong vaccines to 17,000 citizens of Bong and Nirnba Counties. (Monrovia Daily News)

GUINEA REFUGEES The Monrovia Guarrljan reports that an America-based NGO operating in Guinea is attempting,

in collaboration with "some United Nations agencies", to prevent Liberian refugees from returning

home because of the refugees "overwhelming support ... for the Presidency of former Coun~ilman

Charles Ghankay Taylor". (Monrovia Guardian)

OAU TO CONTRIBUTE US$200,000 The OAU has pledged US$200,000 towards upcoming election. Foreign Minister Monie Captan

made the disclosure at a news conference held to brief journalists on the recent OAU conference in

Harare. Zimbabwe. (ELBC)

Pl .EASE NOTE; PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS ORA WN FROM PRESS RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

_ _ _ ' 12 / 06 '97 13 : 58 '6'2129639924 UNOMIL HQS '41004

UNITED NATIONS MISSION D' OBSERVATION Dl!:S


UNOMIL PubUc Tn/u- UNJ

MEDIA SUMMARY

PUL REJECTS IECOM CODE

The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has rejected an IECOM electoral code designed to govern the

conduct of journalists during the upcoming elections. PUL President Abraham Massaley said the

commission's code "is inimical to press freedom in Liberia", in that it attempts to "prohibit critical

reporting". The PUL President asserted that acceptance of the Code would allow IECOM to exert

control over Liberian media's style of writing, editorial viewpoints and operational techniques.

Meanwhile, the PUL has resolved to provide its Grievance and Ethics Committee with a more

proactive mandate to investigate any unprofessional and unethical acts propagated by members of the

Liberian-media. The PUL also suggested that air time and print space be given to all political parties

during the campaign season. (The Inquirer and ELBC)

TIMETABLE ALTERATION

IECOM has reportedly revised the electoral timetable. According to the altered schedule, the last

day for the submission of party/coalition/alliance lists of candidates, emblems, acronyms and

pictures of presidential candidates is now 10 June instead of 8 June, and the publication of

provisional lists of party/coalition/alliance candidates scheduled for 9 June has been moved to 11

June. June 13 is now the last day for withdrawal of candidates instead of 11 June, and the deadline

for publication of final party/coalition/alliance candidates lists, which was 13 June, will now be 15

June. (ELBC)

CONTACT GROUP IN GENEVA

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A ministerial meeting called by the International Contact Group on Liberia begins 12 June in

Geneva, Switzerland to discuss details of an assistance package for the electoral process in Liberia.

According to Foreign Minister Monie Captan, the meeting is being held to facilitate the release to

ECOW AS of funds pledged to IECOM by the international donor community. (KISS FM)

GUAANU GETS LPP VP NOD

Liberia People's Party (LPP)'s presidential candidate Togba-Nah Tipoteh has named former

Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Dr. Joseph Saye Guaanu as his running mate for the

upcoming elections. (The Inquirer)

WFPINGCM

6

About 125 persons in Grand Cape Mount County will benefit from an "agricultural income

generation project" to be funded by the World Food Programme. In a related story, four Programme

Operational Centres (POCs) have been established by UNOPS in Voinjama, Phebe, Cuttington,

Buchanan and Monrovia. The POCs will become focal points for resettlement, rehabilitation and

reconstruction programs. (KISS FM)

FIREFIGHT AT LUNGI

Nigerian ECOMOG troops have clashed with forces loyal to the Sierra Leonean government at

Freetown's Lungi Airport. Seven Sierra Leonean soldiers were apparently killed during the

exchange. VOA repeated earlier reports that the Coup Government is asking for financial

considerations in exchange for relinquishing power. Meanwhile, 2,000 additional troops and two

more Nigerian naval vessels are reportedly headed for Freetown. (VOA, BBC)

PJ,EASE NOTE· PUBLICATION OF THE MEDIA SUMMARY BY UNOMIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE NEITHER ENDORSES THE VIEWS EXPRESSED NOR VERIFIES THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENTS. THE SUMMARY IS DRAWN FROM PRESS AND RADIO COVERAGE RELATING TO THE PEACE PROCESS IN LIBERIA. SOURCES ARE DULY ATTRIBUTED.

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09 / 06 '97 11:57 fi-21296399? UNOMTL HQS

--0£ tY1.£2<90~ ~'77 UNITED NATIONS (~) NATIONS UNIES -UNOMIL

UNITED NATIONS OBSERVER MISSION IN LIBERI


FROM: Bria ,~..,......nief PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT- UNOMIL

FAX NOs: 963-1186 963-9070 963-7055

FAX NO: 231-226-035; 3-9924 PHONE NO: 231 - 226-049

DATE: 09 JUNE Total No. of pages:2

SUBJECT: "PR Explained" One-pager

Enclosed is undergoing wide-scale distribution throughout Liberia. More One-pagers to follow.

Regards.

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UNITED NATIONS • MISSIOND'OIISEltVAftONDES :C....

~~ MISSION IN UIIIIIIIA NATIONS UNIES AU LIBERIA UNOMIL

PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION EXPLAINED

The upcoming Liberian elections will use a new "special and temporary" system to

select the new government. It's called "single constituency, proportional

representation". In a "majority system", winner takes all and majority rules. With

Proportional Representation, nobody is a loser because everybody is included in the

legislature. Unlike the old system from before the war, all Liberians will be part of one

large group of voters (or "constituency"). The number of people elected to the Senate

and the House of Representatives from each party will be in direct proportion to the

number of votes each party wins throughout the country. There is a minimum number

of votes any party has to get to have its candidate elected, but once this "threshold" is

crossed, each party will be represented with a number of seats proportional to the total

number of votes they received. So, if one party receives ten percent of the total vote, it

gets ten percent of the total number of seats available. This "once only" system is being

used for these special elections so that all the people forced by the war to move from

their towns and cities (the old ·"voting districts") can vote this time in one big '"national

voting district" no matter where they are now living. Each and every vote counts

because it gets added tQ a national total. Every elected official represents all Liberians:

All votes count equally, and all voting is completely secret. Nobody, not the candidates,

not the parties, not even the counters will be able to tell how any one person voted.

Remember: "your vote is your secref' • .

For lartfler lnromudoa eontact UNOHIL 's l'ubllc t11romudon OHla 226-048,049 Ext. SI 14, Fax: 226-0JS

INTERNET: llttp://www.11n.ortf/lhptt/DPKO/Hlalons/unoml/.lltml

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