Liberian Fact-Finding Mission Returns And Declares "Life Is Normal"

Accra, -5 June A 10-member Refugee group that went on a fact-finding mission to Liberia said today life is returning to normal making conditions ripe for their return home. "The security situation has improved; there is enough food in Liberia, fuel supply is okay, if not better,'' the leader of the group, Mr Joh Connel, told a news conference in Accra. The group left Accra on May 10 under the auspices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Ghana Refugee Board.

Mr Connell, an opinion leader at the Buduburam camp, however, expressed concern about congestion in the centre of Monrovia as a result of inadequate shelter.

He appealed to the UNHCR and its partners to assist in providing shelter for displaced persons who had no choice than to cram in public buildings.

The group spent two weeks in Liberia to assess the political, social, economic, health and general security conditions in four counties, Montserrado, Bomi, Margibi and Grand Bassa.

Members of the group, which included five women, held consultations with some key players in the Liberian peace process such as the Command of the West African Peacekeeping Force (ECOMOG) and some members of the Interim government.

The mission was organised to build confidence towards the voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees who are scattered over the West African sub-region, to participate in the peace process and general elections scheduled for July 19.

Mr Chrysantus Ache, UNHCR Country Representative, said repatriation of the first batch of 400 refugees is tentatively scheduled for June six. Mr Ache said more than 1,000 refugees have registered with his outfit to return home. He said the UNHCR will facilitate the repatriation by providing transport from the camps to Liberia in addition to a token 100 U.S dollars subsistence allowance for a family of five. There are other agencies who will cater for their needs on their arrival at designated points, he said adding UNHCR will have no business with them after their arrival.