The Liberian People's Party is gravely concerned about the escalation of the civil war between the Government of Liberia and the rebel Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD).

In the wake of the renewed armed hostilities between the belligerent forces, LPP has received reports of horrendous atrocities being committed against unarmed civilians by the opposing forces in Ganta, Nimba; Vogbardee, Sinoe; Zwedru, Grand Gedeh; Ricks and Jahtondo displaced Camps, Montserrado among others.

In a release issued this week and signed by its secretary general, Mr. Andrew B. W. Jaye, LPP also notes with consternation the ethnic based statements that are being made by some officials of government that have the propensity to feign hatred and contribute to tribal based violence and massacre.

In this respect, LPP wishes to particularly caution government officials to refrain from making inflammatory statements with the potential of exacerbating cultural and ethnic differences for their selfish political ends, the release said.

LPP calls on the belligerent forces to refrain from attacks on unarmed civilians, and desist from the forceful conscription of children, women and men.

Finally, in view of the fact that current inflammatory ethnic-unfriendly statements could exacerbate the atrocities on the eve of the pending peace talks, LPP calls upon the warring parties to declare an immediate and unconditional cease-fire and proceed to the peace talks in a negotiations posture.