PRESS STATEMENT ON LIBERIA BY PRESIDENT OF SECURITY COUNCIL

Following is the text of today’s press statement on Liberia by M. Patricia Durrant (Jamaica), President of the Security Council:

Members of the Council heard a briefing by the Chairman of the Security Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1343 (2001) concerning Liberia on the two meetings between the Committee and the Panel of Experts on their report (S/2001/1015).

Members of the Council expressed their commitment to the continued monitoring of the implementation of Resolution 1343 (2001) and reaffirmed the need for early and full compliance with the measures imposed under the resolution.

Members of the Council took note of the Panel’s findings that the sanctions imposed under Resolution 1343 (2001) are having the desired effect on the activities of the Government of Liberia, and that the situation in the region has improved as a consequence thereof.

Members of the Council welcomed efforts of all, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), who had contributed to this.

Members of the Council were informed that the Committee will continue with its discussions on the recommendations in the Panel’s report following the open debate in the Council set for 5 November.

Members of the Council were also briefed on the discussions between the Committee and representatives from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on the Secretary-General’s report under paragraph 13 (a) of resolution 1343 (2001) on the potential humanitarian impact of possible future sanctions on Liberia (issued in S/2001/939).

Members of the Council expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Liberia and stressed the need for the international community to increase its humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Liberia.

Members of the Council expressed their intention to keep in close touch with relevant United Nations funds, programmes and agencies in order to develop an appropriate response to the humanitarian situation.

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