The resolution before the House deplores the violence associated with the recent counterinsurgency in Liberia. particularly the killing of innocent civilians in the Nimba region by Liberian Government troops. According to reliable sources. more than 200 persons. primarily of the Mano and Gio ethnic groups have been killed in this region since the onset of this civil strife. In addition. the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that more than 140.000 Liberians have been forced to flee this region because of the recent fighting. The resolution condemns this violence against noncombatants and urges the President to convey to the Liberian Government the concerns of the United States about these recent abuses. as well as all other human rights abuses in that country. In addition. the resolution urges the President to support the UNHCR and other relief organizations in the efforts to meet the humanitarian needs of the refugees fleeing this conflict. Finally. House Resolution 354 urges the President not to resume military assistance to Liberia until they have ended the indiscriminate killing of civilians and taken steps to investigate and prosecute those individuals responsible. instituted an inquiry into human rights abuses in the Nimba region. and made substantial progress in promoting the safe return of refugees to Uberia. Mr. Speaker. this resolution deserves the support of the House and I urge its unanimous adoption.
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