The Movement for Democratic Change in Liberia, (MDCL), welcomes with great optimism, the February 5, 2003 press release from the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, (LURD), for a peaceful and negotiated settlement to the on-going military confrontation in Liberia.

Consistent with MDCL’s objective of pursuing a nonviolent democratic change in Liberia, the Movement wholeheartedly welcomes LURD’s request for our participation along with the International Contact Group, (ICG), and the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia, (IRCL), to help facilitate this process. We are humbled by the invitation and look forward to the opportunity to work with the ICG, the IRCL, the Government of Liberia, and LURD as we strive towards a peaceful end to the crisis and for the restoration of lasting peace and democracy in Liberia and in the sub-region.

MDCL calls on both the LURD and the Government of Liberia to, in the interest of peace and the suffering people of Liberia, immediately and unconditionally cease further hostility while we prepare for a peaceful solution to the conflict. To help facilitate this process, the MDCL pledges to fully collaborate with the ICG and the IRCL to subsequently elaborate a process of frank negotiation between the parties to this conflict and that safeguards and speaks to the interests of all Liberian nationals.

Signed

Nohn Rebecca Kidau, President, MDCL

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