Annan concerned by fighting in Liberia, safety of aid workers

With fighting near the town of Zwedru, Liberia, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today voiced his concern for their safety as well as for a number of aid workers who had been assisting the desperate population in the area but who now cannot be located.

A statement issued by a spokesman for the Secretary-General said Mr. Annan was "deeply concerned" over the fighting and for the safety of a number of humanitarian workers from UN and non-governmental agencies who had been assisting populations in the Zwedru area, and who have been out of contact with their respective organizations since yesterday.

While noting that some of the aid workers have escaped to safety in neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire, the statement stressed that "we are still awaiting news of the others."

"The Secretary-General urges all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilian populations caught in fighting, including humanitarian workers," the statement said, adding that Mr. Annan called on all parties to the conflict to respect the provisions of international humanitarian law that oblige combatants to ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel.