European Union condemns violence in Liberia

Brussels- Belgium (PANA) -- European Union (EU) authorities Monday expressed serious concern at the intensification of fighting between the Liberian government and rebels.
In a statement issued in Brussels, the EU called on all the warring parties to put an immediate end to hostilities, respect international humanitarian law and allow humanitarian organisations to work in areas under their control.
The EU recalled that it condemns any attempt to seize power by force and urged all the belligerents to search for a negotiated settlement of the crisis.
It also called on neighbouring countries to respect UN Security Council Resolution 1478.
Underscoring its full support for ongoing peace talks in Ghana under the mediation of the Economic community for West African States (ECOWAS), the EU urged all Liberian warring parties to seize this peace and national reconciliation opportunity.
At the same time, the EU reaffirmed support to the Special tribunal for Sierra Leone, which is charged with trying the main perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law during the decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone.
EU noted that Liberian President Charles Taylor's indictment for committing war crimes in Sierra Leone should not undermine the peace efforts underway in Ghana.
It urged the Liberian head of State to co-operate with the Special tribunal for Sierra Leone.
EU's special representative in the Mano River Union countries Hans Dahlgren is currently in Ghana to monitor the ongoing peace talks between the Liberian government and two rebel movements battling Taylor's government.