Written question asked by Caroline Spelman (Conservative) on Monday, 15 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 July 2002. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 July 2002 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the levels of political violence in Liberia; and what discussions she has had with the British High Commission in Liberia regarding political violence.

Answer: Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the levels of political violence in Liberia; and what discussions she has had with the British High Commission in Liberia regarding political violence. [71146] Mr. Straw: I have been asked to reply. We are very concerned at the escalation in fighting in Liberia and have called on all warring parties to declare a ceasefire and enter meaningful dialogue. We are also concerned that President Taylor has used the fighting to justify increased repression, including the imposition of a state of emergency. United National sanctions against Liberia have been effective in disrupting President Taylor's links with the RUF and made it harder for him to obtain weapons. We have urged all countries in the region to implement the sanctions vigorously. There is no permanent British representation in Liberia. We monitor the situation closely from our embassy in Abidjan, and hope shortly to have an officer based in the American embassy in Monrovia, reporting to our embassy in Abidjan.

Secondary information