the resumption of violence in Liberia is of great concern to me. A factional standoff over an ousted government minister has led to widespread looting, arson, and murder, plunging the country into a state of chaos. This spasm of violence is the first major interruption of the Abuja Accords, which have held peace together in Liberia since last August. The deterioration of Liberia is disheartening. Since 1989, the civil war has caused the deaths of more than 150,000 people and has displaced more than 800,000. Thousands of children have been conscripted to the armed forces. The resumption of violence threatens the lives of even more Liberians. The potential of a massive humanitarian disaster is high, as supplies of food and water dwindle, sanitary conditions deteriorate, and outbreaks of cholera erupt. Mr. President, The United States has a special responsibility toward Liberia. Founded in the early 19th century by freed slaves, the United States and Liberia have had almost 150 years of uninterrupted friendship.
Editor's note · Context
Addressing the resumption of violence and humanitarian crisis in Liberia.
Share
More from Claiborne Pell
The Convention bans the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. It includes detailed verification provisions. It was negotiated in the Reagan and Bush administrations and was based largely on a text personally presented to…
To burn a church is to destroy more than a building. Burning a church strikes at the soul of a community, at its most sacred place. These fires bring terror and tears to communities that often have known all too much of both. And we are…
I have many times made statements about my long interest in developing improved avenues of communication between employees and their bosses, often referred to as codetermination. My statement therefore, will be brief today. When employees…
I share with the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Senator from North Carolina [Mr. Helms], and the Senator from Maryland [Mr. Sarbanes] concerns with regard to section 1005 of the Defense authorization bill. Senator…





