Following detailed discussions with Liberian political and military leaders, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) announces that the disarmament of ex-combatants and payments of an advance reinsertion allowance will continue until 2:00 p.m. of Wednesday, 17 December, and will resume after the holiday season on 20 January, 2004.
According to an UNMIL release, this action is taken to allow for the creation of more capacity and the upgrading of living conditions at the site, where more than 8,000 former combatants have disarmed. Preparations will also be undertaken to begin the disarmament of LURD and MODEL former combatants.

Former combatants who have disarmed and wish to remain at Camp Schieffelin during the holiday period will be provided with food, shelter, and other basic support, and will continue to participate in initial rehabilitation activities.
Former combatants who have disarmed and wish to return to their communities over the holiday period will return to the camp upon the resumption of activity in January, 2004.