The Liberian Leadership Conference Calls for Cease-fire, Restoration of Peace in the Ivory Coast
(A Statement Issued by the Liberian Leadership Conference (LLC))
The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia
November 1, 2002
October 28, 2002
The Chairman of the Liberian Leadership Conference, Mr. Cletus S. Wotorson, recently called upon all sides in the Ivorian conflict to work toward a cease-fire and restoration of peace in the country as soon as possible. He urged the sides to end the hostilities and instead go to the dialogue table; because it is only through serious and sincere negotiations could lasting peace and stability be achieved in the country and the sub-region.
In separate letters to the Secretary General of ECOWAS and the Interim Chairperson of the African Union, Mr. Wotorson said that the Liberian Leadership Conference and all-peace loving Liberians deplore and reject this latest spate of violence on the African Continent. He commended both the AU and ECOWAS for their timely efforts and encouraged them to remain vigilant in trying to prevent the smoldering tensions from spiraling out of control.
Mr. Wotorson noted that as victims of a similar strife, Liberians everywhere are saddened by, and condemn the violence in Cote D’Ivoire with every fiber of their being. Commenting further, Mr. Wotorson said “The impact of Charles Taylor’s invasion and subsequent killing spree is still being felt by the suffering Liberian people even today.” Against the background of news reports of attacks on foreigners in La Cote d’Ivoire perceived as supporters of the mutineers, Mr. Wotorson further expressed serious concern about the safety and security of resident Liberians, who had to flee to the sanctuary of La Cote d’Ivoire, when they were unsuspectingly caught in a civil war in their country that had no objective and direction.
The Liberian Leadership Conference Chairman reminded all parties that in armed conflicts, no one emerges as the true winner. Rather, it is the ordinary people -- innocent men, women, and children -- who are the losers. He therefore expressed hope that everyone concerned would continue to focus on the larger picture of restoring lasting peace and stability to Cote d’Ivoire and therefore cooperate with mediators from the Sub-region and the Continent.