The charges are completely false and baseless. Despite our best efforts over the last few days, we haven't had any attempts to get clarification of which agencies or non-governmental organizations are covered by the expulsion order announced in Goma last Friday. Despite previous assurances from senior officials that we could take our equipment out and depart in an orderly fashion, our staff were subjected to searches at the airport and some equipment and personal belongings were confiscated. The Secretary-General told the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Special Conference on Liberia that the Office would be established and fully functional within the next few weeks. He said the head of the office will have overall responsibility for harmonizing the efforts of the United Nations system in the country.
Economic activity remains modest.
Much of the population remains displaced. Most of the demobilized fighters are yet to be absorbed or reintegrated into society. And basic institutions and services are not yet fully operational. The impact on Liberia of the situation in Sierra Leone also remains a source of concern. Speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 Developing Countries and China, the representative of Tanzania Musinga Timothy Bandora said the Group was concerned about the negative impact of the savings on the long-term work of the Organization.