International Community wants Liberia to Creates Peaceful Environment

The International Community is urging Liberians to create a conducive environment for true peace if they are to construct a new Liberia.

Making remarks during the induction ceremony of Chairman Gyude Bryant yesterday at the capitol building in separate statements representatives of the international community and African communities said the achievement for peace rest squarely in the hands of Liberians themselves and not from anyone outside.

In his remarks, President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria said peace should never be taken for granted and if Liberia is to develop Liberians must create peace.

President Obasanjo said Africa as a continent remains poor because Africans do not do the right thing at the right time and they are always divided but he added, "No where in Africa will we allow anyone to take up guns and shoot their way to power".

He said the Liberia remains poor because the fear of God had never been embraced and there are so much injustices but "you have a second chance and make use of this chance", he urged.
Ghana’s president John Kufuor for his part said ECOWAS has once again demonstrated to the whole world that it has the human capacity to cater to the needs of its stranded brothers in ensuring security.

President Kufuor said all Liberians must be tolerant to help the Bryant-led government reconcile the nation.

He said ECOWAS has come a long way to solve the crisis in Liberia and it is their hope that the conflict do not repeat itself noting, "Liberians deserve peace".

In a statement read by Jacques Klein on behalf of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan he said the occasion marked a turning point for Liberians.

Mr. Annan said all parties to the ceasefire agreement must honor it without delay and disarm adding, Monrovia must be turned into a weapon-free zone.

Mr. Klein speaking on his own behalf then called on Liberians to rise from the ashes and allow peace return to the country.

ECOWAS’ Chief Facilitator Abdulsalami Abubakar in his remarks said the task of mediating for peace is not easy but said, "if we lay aside, our efforts will be in vain".
Rt. Gen. Abubakar said although he welcomes the strong will and commitment for peace shown by the people of Liberia but he also urged Liberians never to repeat the attitude that brought about the conflict in the past.

He said the reckless and improper use of power have been the great effect of the crisis in the country has suffered but he warned that the future generation will not forgive their predecessors if they failed to live up to the Accord signed.

Meanwhile, the International and African communities pledged their full support in working with Chairman Bryant and the government.

They also urged him to be focused if he is to create a better Liberia backed with success for all.
Those attending the program include, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Bureau, Donald Yamamoto, Former Malian President Alpha Omar Konare, Togo Prime Minister, Ivory Coast Foreign Affairs Minister, Guinea Minister of Interior, and the Sierra Leonean Minister for Defense among others.