[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4513-S4514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          VIOLENCE IN LIBERIA

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, I am distressed at the latest outbreak of 
violence in Liberia. Yesterday, young gang members fired upon the U.S. 
Embassy, prompting the marines to return fire. Fortunately, no 
Americans were injured. Since this exchange, the situation in Monrovia 
has calmed down and the State Department has called this an isolated 
incident. Nevertheless, this spasm of violence demonstrates the 
intractability of the conflict in Liberia and the need for a diplomatic 
solution.
  I believe the United States should remain committed to securing a 
peaceful solution in Liberia. I applaud the work of Assistant Secretary 
of State for African Affairs, George Moose, and Deputy Assistant 
Secretary of State William Twaddell. Their diplomatic efforts to 
implement a cease-fire are important to U.S. national interests. In 
addition, I commend the administration's

[[Page S4514]]

response of providing $30 million in logistical assistance to the West 
African Peacekeeping force, ECOMOG. Such assistance is necessary to 
keep ECOMOG actively engaged in the on-the-ground peace process.
  Mr. President, I call upon the various warlords to respect the cease-
fire and to pursue a peaceful solution. In addition, it is important to 
remind the warlords that an attempt by any faction to seize power by 
force or to undo the Abuja Accords will receive a strong American 
response.
  While the ultimate resolution of the crisis remains the 
responsibility of the Liberians, the United States has an important 
role to play. The United States is the most influential foreign power 
in Liberia. The United States must remain committed to seeking peace in 
Liberia. An engaged United States can help a Liberia that wants peace.

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