Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Liberia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Kay Torrance
404-420-5129

ATLANTA….I welcome President Bush's recent statement of his determination to help the people of Liberia find the path to peace and his strong support for the cease-fire signed early this month. U.S. leadership can and should extend to the deployment of U.S. forces in support of a multi-national humanitarian intervention in Liberia. There is little doubt that such an intervention would be embraced by the vast majority of Liberians, currently trapped in a cycle of worsening violence. Liberia and the United States have long ties of mutual support. American leadership now is critical to create the security on which long-term stability for Liberia and the region can be built. President Charles Taylor needs to leave the country, permitting the cease-fire to prevail and democratic elections to be held.

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