Collaborating Parties Pledge Support for a National Leadership Meeting
(Press Statement)

Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire

The Perspective

September 3, 2001

Leaders of six Liberian political parties and a democracy promotion civil society organization have expressed support for the proposal to hold a meeting of Liberian national leaders. The proposal is for a National Political and Civic Leadership Forum aimed at finding solution to the deteriorating security, political, economic and social situation in their country.

The support was declared at the end of a three-day consultative meeting held in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire from August 31 to September 2, 2001.

The participants noted that the consultation was part of the efforts of the Collaborating Political Parties. This was taking place outside Liberia because a number of political and civic leaders expressed serious personal security concerns about returning to the country at this time. As a result, participants agreed that until those genuine fears are removed, there will be the continuing need to hold some consultations from time to time at venues convenient to all.

Participating in the consultation were: Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Standard Bearer of the Unity Party; Mr. David Kortie, National Chairman, All Liberia Coalition Party; Mr. Cletus Wotorson, Standard Bearer of the Liberia Action Party; Mr. George Tamba Borwah, National Chairman, Free Democratic Party; Mr. Jeremiah F. Karmo, Chairman of the Youth Wing, True Whig Party of Liberia; and Mr. Wesley M. Johnson, National Chairman, United People's Party. Civil society was represented by Mr. Conmany B. Wesseh, Executive Director of the Center for Democratic Empowerment.

The participants stated that the objective of their consultation was to share information and experiences on the national situation in Liberia; and to share ideas on the proposed National Political and Civic Leadership Forum.

Participants paid tributes to Liberian political parties and civil society organizations, who in spite of the very difficult situation in the country continue to work tirelessly for the promotion of democracy. They acknowledge with deep appreciation the work of the parties that are cooperating under the Collaborating Political Parties and the important contribution that the CPP is making to improve the political climate in the country.

Participants also observed with thanks that Liberians living outside the country, especially those in the United States and West Africa are making immense contribution to the common efforts for the rebuilding and promotion of peace in the country. They call for the sharing of information and the need for coordination on a common agenda.

The participants recognized the expressed willingness of the government of Liberia to dialogue on the situation of Liberia.

The participants noted that the consultation was part of the efforts of the Collaborating Political Parties. This was taking place outside Liberia because a number of political and civic leaders expressed serious personal security concerns about returning to the country at this time. As a result, participants agreed that until those genuine fears are removed, there will be the continuing need to hold some consultations from time to time at venues convenient to all.

On the National Political and Civic Leadership Forum, the participants agreed that subject to the endorsement of the appropriate structures of the CPP and individual parties as well as relevant civil society organizations, the agenda should include but not limited to: the issues of security within the framework of the Abuja Accords; the electoral process; the media; the judiciary; national reconciliation (truth commission); and, capacity building and the strengthening of political parties and civil society organizations.

The participants expressed appreciation for the continuing interest and efforts of the ECOWAS leadership and its Secretariat for the restoration of peace in Liberia and the Mano River basin area. They welcomed the positive developments in the peace process in Sierra Leone and the [rapprochement] in progress among the Mano River Union states.

The Participants reiterated the well-known position of their parties and organization

against the use of armed means to seek change. They accordingly called on all sides in the armed conflict in the three countries to cease hostilities and pursue the course of dialogue, if for no other reason, but for the sake of our children.

The Leaders undertook to seek the support of all Liberian political parties, civil society organizations, the Government of Liberia, ECOWAS and the international community for the successful holding of the National Political and Civic Leadership Forum, the implementation of whose decisions promises to give Liberia a new beginning for the common good of her people.

Done in Abidjan, 2nd September, 2001