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U.N. to Begin Disarming Liberian Fighters
Peacekeepers will start collecting weapons from Liberiaâs unruly militia and government fighters in early December, U.N. officials said Friday. The first three collection centers are scheduled to open Dec. 7 in Monrovia, the government-controlled capital of the war-ruined west African nation, and the rebel-held towns of Tubmanburg and Buchanan, the United Nations said in a statement."Turn in yer shootinâ arns here. That means you, Billy Joe." "Iâm Billy Sue." "Oh, sorry Billy Sue, I thought that was a wig." The disarmament process is expected to take nine months, the United Nations said. "We do expect all factions to cooperate with the process," said Margaret Novicki, spokeswoman for the U.N. mission. "Those who refuse to disarm risk being eaten." An estimated 40,000 ill-trained and largely unpaid Boy these UN types are sharp! Iâve heard them say that food is essential to avoid starvation. Participants will be given an initial payment of $150 for their weapons and three weeks of medical tests and counseling, the United Nations said. They will receive another $150 stipend as they re-enter society. The resulting inflation means that an egg will cost $150. Special programs have been designed to help the estimated 15,000 child soldiers, as well as female fighters and the wounded. Free grade school for the first thousand child soldiers who turn in their weapons, and a bonus if the AK-47 is taller than they are. After all fighters are disarmed, U.N. forces will start to rebuild the countryâs armed forces — notorious for preying on civilians, killing, raping, kidnapping and looting. West African troops will be such role models in this effort! Some 4,500 peacekeeping soldiers — mostly from West Africa — have imposed calm in Monrovia, but skirmishes have continued in the countryside. Posted by: Steve White 2003-11-16 |
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