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Annan asks traditional leaders to back UN efforts to restore calm in Liberia

Annan asks traditional leaders to back UN efforts to restore calm in Liberia

Reacting to an upsurge of violence and disturbances in Liberia's capital, Monrovia, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on the local authorities to lend their support to United Nations efforts to restore calm.

Through his spokesman, Mr. Annan appealed to all traditional and political leaders in the country, as well as the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) "to urgently intervene and support the United Nations' efforts to restore calm as soon as possible."

In a statement, the spokesman condemned the violence, which has resulted in deaths and the destruction of property. "The Secretary-General appeals to the people of Liberia to strictly comply with the curfew and to cooperate with the authorities and the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)," the spokesman said.