Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Liberia and Rebel Factions

August 20, 2003

The Government of Japan welcomes the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement on August 18 (Mon) (local time) (Japan time: August 19) between the Government of Liberia and the rebel factions including the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL). Since the signing of the agreement marks a very important step towards conflict resolution in Liberia and peace and stability in West Africa, Japan highly appreciates the arbitration efforts within Africa prior to the signing, and, in particular, the efforts of the actors concerned including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Ghana, chair of the ECOWAS, and initiatives of the United Nations and the U.S.
The Government of Japan strongly hopes that the agreement will be steadily implemented, expects that all the parties concerned will continue to exert efforts for lasting peace in Liberia, and trusts that the Liberian people's humanitarian situation will be improved as early as possible.

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