MDCL Condemns LURD's Attempts to Seize Power by Force
The Movement for Democratic Change in Liberia, (MDCL), views with disdain the wicked and callous attempts, by the self-styled, Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, LURD, to forcibly seize control of our capital city, Monrovia. We are shocked by the total lack of concern on the part of LURD for the continued loss of life of innocent Liberians, as well as the peril posed to those who remain barely alive. This action by LURD constitutes an affront to the efforts being exerted by Liberians and members of the international community in Ghana to find a peaceful settlement to the years of carnage and killings.
By their actions, LURD has demonstrated its true intentions, to acquire power by any means necessary, even at the expense of thousands of innocent Liberian lives. This present action, as well as its past disposition, render them no different than Charles Taylor, the monster they are trying to replace. As in the past, the real victims of this contest of might between LURD and Charles Taylor sadly continue to be the Liberia people.
The MDCL herewith condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the actions of The LURD forces, and call upon the leadership to immediately rein in its forces and cause them to cease and desist from their belligerent attempts to overrun Monrovia. We also condemn in the strongest terms, the continued harassment of civilians by Taylor’s forces, and call upon them to demonstrate more concern for the innocents.
It is the position of MDCL that lasting peace and security cannot be achieved
through the barrel of a gun. Violence breeds more violence and leads only
to endless bickering, while our people continue to suffer and die. Liberians
remain scattered around the globe, living through the goodwill of peace-loving
nations and their people, while Liberia, as a country, continues to be mired
in chaos and confusion. Therefore, we call on those who want to effect change
through the barrel of gun to lay down their arms and join us in working
through democratic and peaceful means to effect a lasting settlement that
will bring peace and security for our people.
War-weary Liberians are yearning for peace because the country is on an
unsustainable course. The voices of Liberians are crying out because we
cannot and must not continue on this course. The right way forward is peace
and security for all. Anything short of that, sustains us in the current
morass of fear and chaos.
LURD DO THE RIGHT THING AND STOP THE KILLINGS!
May God Bless Liberia and save our people!
Richard W. Harmon
Public Affairs Director
Nohn Rebecca Kidau
Chairman, MDCL
