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“VIOLENCE IN LIBERIA” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Senate section on pages S4513-S4514 on May 1, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
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 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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